Two firefighters who saved two residents from a burning apartment building in Kansas City were killed when the structure collapsed around them just minutes later, authorities said.
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Leggio and Mesh died at the scene, the fire department said Monday, and two firefighters were taken to the hospital.
Both firefighters died a short time later after doctors and nurses attempts to revive them were unsuccessful.
Firefighters rescued two people from the northwest corner of the building shortly after arriving, and they brought out one other person before crews were ordered to evacuate at 7:52 p.m., Berardi said.
The fire chief says they were in a “defensive mode” when the fragile building began to crumble around them. The firefighters were not immediately identified and officials added that two other firefighters were injured in the accident.
“They didn’t pass on futile”, Berardi said.
Crews were still fighting the fire late Monday.
The Red Cross is on the scene. We are so very sorry.
Hours after the firefighters were injured, flames could still be seen shooting out of the rubble, the Kansas City Star reported.
Residents of the apartments reportedly lost all of their belongings. He lauded those who died for saving lives.
– Raytown Fire Dist (@raytownfire) October 13, 2015@KCMOFireDept @IAFFLocal42. “Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice today, and we pray for recovery of the injured”, James said.
The identities of those killed and hurt have not been released.
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Stay with KSHB.com for more on this developing story.
