Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department veterans John Mesh and Larry Leggio died when a building on the 2600 block of Independence Avenue collapsed in the midst of a two-alarm blaze.
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All fire crews evacuated safely as firefighters shifted to fighting the blaze defensively and worked to protect a supermarket to the east of building.
Monday was a night of triumph and tragedy; firefighters rescued two from the burning building, only to lose two of their own. The Kansas City Star reports that it had been more than 25 years since the K.C. Fire Department had lost multiple members on the same day.
Shortly after, two more firefighters were transported to KU Medicine to be treated for their injuries.
Donations to the families of the Kansas City firefighters can be mailed to IAFF Local 42 Community Assistance, 6320 Manchester Ave., Suite 42 A, Kansas City, MO 64133. “And that smoke and fire was pushed out probably 20 to 30 feet”.
At 8:07 p.m., a distress call was received after a portion of the building collapsed, trapping four firefighters inside. The deceased firefighters were not immediately identified.
Berardi also made sure the families knew that the two firefighters did not die in vain and that he is “extremely proud” of the department’s professionalism.
A Royals spokesman also said the club planned a moment of silence before the game as part of a tribute to the fallen firefighters.
According to KCFD, when fire crews arrived on scene, crews carried two people out of the structure. He lauded those who died for saving lives. “That is always one of the fears that you have as a firefighter and a fire chief”. They would go in. The city said despite several attempts to contact her, she was unavailable to provide access to her apartment or any additional follow up.
Chief Berardi says a complete investigation is underway with the KCPD and ATF.
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“We will continue to do our job as we do every day, as we have done every day in the past”.
