Two firefighters lost their lives while saving people from a burning building on Independence Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., when the building collapsed on them on Monday evening.
When firefighters reached the location, the building was already badly damaged. As the crew evacuated people, parts of the building started collapsing. Fire crews managed to rescue two people from the second story of the building.
A partially collapsed roof caved in, injuring four fire fighters, two of whom succumbed to injuries. The two firefighters killed have been identified as Larry J. Leggio, a veteran of 17 years, and John V. Mesh, who had served for 13 years.
Leggio is survived by his wife and mother, while Mesh leaves behind a wife and four daughters.
"It didn't fall like a normal collapse. They did not die in vain. They saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders, before the wall collapsed," said Fire Chief Paul Berardi, according to Fox News.
"I was laying down and heard somebody yell, 'Everybody get out.' I opened my door and there was smoke really bad," said Lawrence Ray Lee, who escaped the blaze, reports The Kansas City Star.
"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," said Mayor Sly James, offering his condolences and praying for the departed, reports US News.
