NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — One man is believed to be dead after a major fire in west-central Nebraska.
The North Platte Police Department reported that just before 11 p.m. Thursday, 911 Center received reports of gunshots in the area of Rodeo Road and Carr. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots as well as the discharge of fireworks.
North Platte police officers responded to investigate and made contact with an individual at 1900 Rodeo Road — a large commercial property. The individual was inside of the Titan Machinery building near an open overhead garage door, and there was a small fire inside of the building. The officers ordered the man out of the building but he refused their instructions and retreated into the building.
The North Platte Fire Department was dispatched and assistance was requested from the Lincoln County (Neb.) Sheriff’s Office and the Nebraska State Patrol. The officers secured the building after receiving information that there was a large amount of fireworks inside.
By 11:50 PM, the building was reported to be fully engulfed.
The individual whom the police had contact with was last seen inside of the building. Out of concern that a grand jury may be convened, the incident is being investigated by the Nebraska Fire Marshal’s office, the North Platte Fire Marshal’s office and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office.