A pair of 2-year-old children were killed in a house explosion Saturday night in western Missouri. Both toddlers were pronounced dead at the scene by the Bates County coroner.
According to a Facebook post from the Bates County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was received around 11:30 of the explosion and subsequent fire at a residence in rural Butler. First responders arrived to a fully-engulfed house where five individuals were reported to be residing. Three occupants were able to escape, but the 2-year-olds were not able to be immediately rescued.
Fire units arrived on scene and requested assistance from additional agencies, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful due to the heavy fire in the residence. The three that escapted were transported to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.
The fire is being investigated by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office. Other agencies assisting include the Butler Police Department, Adrian Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Bates County EMS, Butler Fire Department, Adrian Fire Department, Rich Hill Fire Department, Central Cass Fire Department and the Bates County Victim Advocate.
No additional information is being released as the investigation continues.
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