By RYAN SKAITH
Authorities are investigating a fatal residential explosion and fire that occurred Wednesday evening in the 300 block of East Meadow Street in Smithville.
The Platte County Dispatch Center received reports of an explosion and structure fire at approximately 6:20 p.m. Reports indicate Smithville Police officers arrived on the scene within two minutes to find the residence fully engulfed in flames.
Fire crews from the Smithville Area Fire Protection District led the response, supported by mutual aid from the Kearney, Central Platte, Camden Point, and Edgerton-Trimble fire districts. The Northland Regional Ambulance District (NRAD) also provided assistance at the scene.
During the firefighting efforts, crews discovered one deceased individual inside the home. Officials stated that no other victims are believed to be involved at this time.
Utility providers Spire Gas and Evergy were called to the location to manage utility hazards. Firefighters remained on-site to extinguish remaining hot spots and secure the area.
The scene will be turned over to the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office for a formal investigation into the cause of the blast. No further details have been released at this time.