One person dies in early-morning apartment fire
Flames erupt from a third-floor balcony and roof of Coach Light Apartments, near 24th and Missouri streets. One fatality was reported in the fire, which began at 1:31 a.m. Monday.
One person was killed early Monday morning in a fire at an apartment complex near 24th and Missouri streets in Lawrence.
The victim has not been identified, said Deputy Chief Mark Bradford of Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.
Firefighters examine the charred hulk of a balcony and apartment near 24th and Missouri streets. A fire and explosion destroyed much of the building's front.
Bradford said the victim’s remains have been taken to Topeka for an autopsy. More information about the victim was expected Monday afternoon, following the autopsy.
Firefighters received a report of smoke about 1:31 a.m. and found flames coming from a third floor apartment in an 18-unit building of Coach Light Apartments, 1002 W. 24th St.
Eight-year-old Jerry Ratcliff watches the scurrying activities of firefighters as they work in teams to extinguish the flames in an apartment building near 24th and Missouri streets.
An explosion occurred as firefighters began attacking the fire, blowing out a large portion of the brick front of the building, Bradford said.
About 23 occupants from adjoining apartments were evacuated by a Lawrence police officer, Bradford said. Crews brought the fire under control by 2:29 a.m., he said. About 32 fire department personnel responded to the fire.
Tenants of the Coach Light Apartments watch as their apartment building is engulfed in flames. All tenants were temporarily relocated with friends or in motel rooms early Monday morning.
All occupants of the apartment building were staying with friends or family or were relocated with the assistance of the American Red Cross, Bradford said. The initial estimate for damage was $250,000.
Department fire investigators were still at the scene this morning to determine the cause of the fire.
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