See video of the deadly fire on the Excelsior Springs YouTube Channel.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (Oct. 16, 2024) — A devastating explosion occurred at Hart’s Auto Repair, located at 10 Schwartz Ave., Excelsior Springs, on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and one person being injured. Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene around 1 p.m. after receiving a distressing 911 call from a woman reporting the explosion.
A towering column of thick black smoke could be seen for miles as the Excelsior Springs Fire Department worked to control the blaze. The Excelsior Springs Police Department evacuated neighbors and secured the area. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, smaller explosions and flare-ups continued as the building burned.
As the blaze was brought under control, authorities confirmed that one individual had died, while another sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Liberty Hospital for trauma care.
Although official identification has not yet been released, family and friends say the deceased is Darren Hart, 60, the owner of the business. Hart, a Wood Heights resident, was a father and grandfather who was well-known and respected in the community.
The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. This story will be updated as details are released.
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