Two fatalities were reported in a residential structure fire in Higginsville during the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 11.

The Higginsville Fire Protection District responded to the fire at 4:03 a.m. The fire had reportedly engulfed the home by the time personnel arrived to the scene. The heat from the blaze spread to the homes on both sides of the original fire and set them on fire as well. Three other homes suffered heat damage, but did not catch fire.

Two residents in the original fire were pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the other residences were able to exit without injury.

Crews were able to clear the scene at 1:13 p.m. with mutual aid from the Corder/Dover Fire Protection District, Mayview Fire Protection District, Alma Fire Protection District, Lexington Fire, Wellington/Napoleon Fire Protection District, Odessa Fire Protection District, and Concordia Fire Protection District.

This fire is currently under investigation with the State Fire Marshal.