One dead after apartment fire in Independence

One person has died from injuries sustained in a fire in Independence on Wednesday, according to a Thursday press release from the Independence Fire Department.

“Our hearts are with the family during this difficult time,” Independence Fire Chief Blake Hayward said in the release. “We strive to always be steady, committed, and focused on giving people the best chance possible. Losing a neighbor is never easy, and we stand with the family as they navigate the days ahead.”

The department has not released the name of the deceased.

There were three people injured in the fire, which happened early Wednesday morning at an apartment building in the 600 block of Second Ave. NE.

All three individuals were taken to the Buchanan County Health Center by ambulance, and two of them were later flown to higher-level trauma centers, according to a previous release from the fire department.

The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

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