By Kristin Hoppa
The St. Joseph News-Press
GILMAN CITY, Mo. — A fire about 75 miles northeast of St. Joseph killed a teenager and seriously injured three other family members early Saturday morning, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said.
The county’s emergency 911 received a phone call reporting a structure fire shortly after 1 a.m. As fire crews arrived at 30709 E. Klondike Road in the eastern part of the county, a two-story residence was engulfed in flames.
Firefighters rescued three people — a mother, father and an 11- year-old boy — from the burning home, and discovered the remains of an 18-year-old girl.
Fire Chief Larry Polley with the Cainsville Fire Department said fire departments from Cainsville, Gilman City, Bethany and Eagleville partnered to extinguish the blaze.
“There is nothing left,” Mr. Polley said, describing the remains.
The foundation of the structure continued to smoulder Saturday morning, as the last paramedic left the scene around noon. Family friends sat inside their van outside the home, hoping to catch a family dog who escaped the fire.
"(The 11-year-old) just turned 11 yesterday,” said Tammy Priest, who was with another family friend, John Anders. “We’ve known them for 12 years, and it’s just unbelievable.” “Shocked,” Mr. Anders said as he described his feelings. “We’re just concerned and hope everything back at the hospital turns out all right.”
The adult couple was taken to KU Medical Center in serious condition. The 11-year-old was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The names of the victims have not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
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