Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City police have released a suspect after three children were discovered alone in a concealed apartment inside a burning building. During an early Sunday morning fire, firefighters discovered the three kids, ages two, four, and nine.
The incident took place on Sunday when, at about 1:50 a.m., firefighters received an emergency call. Flames were seen emanating from the second floor of a building near E. Truman Road and Park Ave. The children were discovered in an improvised apartment hidden within the building by firefighters when they first entered the property. The kids were saved quickly and rushed to the hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide exposure and smoke inhalation.
“They went upstairs and came across some doors that just didn’t make sense for the type of structure they were in. They started banging on doors and opening doors. One of the doors they knocked on, a 9-year-old opened the door and there happened to be three children in there,” Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins, Kansas City, Mo. Fire Department, said as reported by KCTV after the incident.
One person who came back to the scene was taken into custody by police on suspicion of child endangerment. The suspect was set free while additional investigation is being conducted. Now, detectives are collaborating with family services and prosecutors to determine what happened that resulted in the kids being in the hidden apartment and whether or not charges would be brought.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the authorities have not yet released any theories or possible leads. As the children get medical clearance, Family Services is evaluating their current situation to determine where they will live going forward.
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The community is in disbelief by the incident, raising questions about the safety and well-being of the children involved.
The investigation into the incident continues.
