RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Federal investigators believe a man illegally making fireworks in his basement caused an explosion that leveled part of a suburban Kansas City duplex, killing him and injuring at least three others.
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives came to that conclusion after sifting through the rubble Tuesday at the explosion site in Raytown, ATF spokesman John Ham told the Kansas City Star.
Officials found the body of the man in the basement of the duplex hours after the explosion and fire Monday night. Authorities have not released his name.
Officials said five people — including two children — were in the building at the time of the explosion. One child was treated for injuries at a hospital and one adult underwent surgery for injuries on Tuesday.
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RAYTOWN, Mo. (AP) — Authorities found a body Tuesday in the basement of a suburban Kansas City duplex where multiple people were injured in an explosion.
John Ham, a spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said that the body will be taken to the medical examiner for identification once the Raytown building is secure.
About half the structure was reduced to rubble in Monday night's blast.
Police said in a news release posted on Facebook that there were “multiple injuries reported" but didn't provide any details on their severity or the exact number of people hurt. The release also said the cause of the blast was unknown.
Witnesses told KMBC-TV that two boys were conscious and alert when they were wheeled from the scene on gurneys. The station reported that a man also was injured and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation. ATF agents were assisting.
Ham and the Missouri Fire Marshal’s Office didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.