2 firefighters killed in Kansas City apartment fire, building collapse



KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Two firefighters were killed when an apartment building collapsed on top of them. At least two others were injured fighting the two-alarm fire late Monday.

Part of the apartment building started to cave in about half an hour after those same firefighters used a ladder to rescue two people from an upper floor, WDAF reports.

"Tonight's tragic loss is a reminder that Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day. Our condolences go out to the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice today, and we pray for recovery of the injured," said Kansas City Mayor Sly James.

“It’s difficult when you live with somebody for 24 hours a day, and you’re laughing and joking one minute and then something like this happens in the line of duty,” said Chief Paul Berardi.

“What is good for their families to remember is that they did not die in vain, they saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders before the wall collapsed."