INDEPENDENCE, Kan. – A child dies after a house fire in Independence, Kansas.
The fire happened on Wednesday afternoon.
Cherryvale firefighters, along with crews from Independence Rural Fire, Sycamore Rural Fire and the City of Independence Fire and EMS, were dealing with a fully engulfed fire.
An 8-year-old was still inside.
Around 2:07 pm, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 4761 E. US Hwy 60 in Independence, Kansas. They headed there at the request of the Cherryvale Rural Fire Department.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Independence Fire and EMS went inside the home, found and got the child out. Independence EMS took her to the Labette ER where she was pronounced deceased.
The Fire Marshal’s Office and detectives are investigating the cause of the fire.
Sheriff Ron Wade said “It is heartbreaking that a young girl tragically lost her life in this Fire. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” Sheriff Wade said, “I want to thank all of the Rural Fire Departments, Independence City Fire & EMS, Coffeyville City Fire & Rescue, American Red Cross, Montgomery County Emergency Preparedness, and the Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office for their efforts in putting the fire out and helping with the investigation.”
Sheriff Wade asks the public to please respect the privacy of the family and to refrain from spreading harmful rumors around on social media platforms. Out of respect to the family, we are not releasing the name of the victim or the family.
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