Independence officials investigating fatal fire

UPDATE: The State Fire Marshal's Office and Independence Fire Department are investigating a fatal fire in Independence Friday morning.

Independence Fire Chief Doug Cook said crews were called to 1100 Second Ave. NE at 4:16 a.m. Cook said the 4-unit apartment complex was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on the scene.

Cook said there were four people in the apartment. Only three made it out.

"We had one fatality," he said. "We have three people in the hospital and I have no idea on their conditions."

Cook said he could not identify the deceased or their relationship to the other three people in the apartment. He said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Damage to the structure is estimated at $60,000 to $100,000.