Several injured in three-alarm apartment fire

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Residents of a multi-family complex reported hearing an explosion, which could have been the cause of a three-alarm fire which broke out around noon on Tuesday in Overland Park, Kan.

According to a release from the Overland Park Fire Department, crews from both Johnson County Consolidated Fire District #2 and the Merriam Fire Department were dispatched to an apartment fire at the Metcalf 56 Townhomes, which is located in the 5600 block of Floyd.

While on the way to the fire, crews reported seeing thick smoke from a distance, indicating the fire was at an advanced stage. Once the crews reached the scene, they saw heavy fire coming from the backside of a three-story apartment building. Police were also on hand to help evacuate the building. One person with significant burns was immediately transported to a local hospital.

A second alarm was called a short while later, which included units from both the Overland Park and Shawnee Fire Departments. Firefighters fought the fire from both the front and back sides of the building. Officials said the it took crews over two hours to get the fire under control.

One police officer with smoke inhalation was transported to an area hospital, while four residents were treated for minor smoke inhalation at the scene. That officer was released Tuesday evening after receiving treatment.

Officials said at least ten of the units inside that building were heavily damaged in the fire, and at least six other units received damage from the smoke. The Red Cross is assisting residents living at the complex whose homes were affected by the damage.

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, and also if the explosion heard by residents caused the fire, or was the result of it.

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