BUTLER, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – Two children were killed over the weekend after a home exploded in a rural Missouri neighborhood.
According to the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, it received a 911 call around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday with reports of a home that exploded and was on fire.
First responders said they found the home engulfed in flames and learned three of the five residents had evacuated safely. But two children, both 2 years old, could not escape.
Backup crews from several surrounding areas arrived at the home to assist. However, the heavy flames prevented firefighters from getting inside and rescuing the children in time. They were both pronounced dead at the scene.
The three other residents were taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Wyatt Renne lives just down the street from the home, and his daughter has babysat for the family. They said their hearts go out to the family.
“I’ve met them, I know them. This is an absolute tragedy. We’re all devastated,” Renne said. “We’ll be there for them.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of these children. Please keep them all in your prayers as they will have a rough road ahead,” Bates County Sheriff Anderson said.
Fire crews were able to extinguish the flames, but the structure and a vehicle outside of the home appear to be total losses.
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