One dead in Smithville house explosion and fire

SMITHVILLE, Mo. (KQTV) -- One person is dead after an explosion and house fire at the 300 block of East Meadow Street in Smithville Wednesday night.

According to a Facebook post from the Smithville Police Department, the Platte County Dispatch Center received a report of an explosion and fire.

Smithville Police Officers arrived on scene within two minutes and found the home fully engulfed in flames, according to the post.

Fire crews from the Smithville Area Fire Protection District also responded, along with mutual aid from Kearney Fire District, Central Platte Fire, Camden Point Fire, Edgerton-Trimble Fire and the Northland Regional Ambulance District (NRAD).

Spire Gas and Evergy responded to the scene as well to address utility concerns.

During firefighting efforts, one person was found dead inside the home. The Smithville Police said, at this time, no additional victims are believed to be involved.

After fire crews extinguished the remaining hotspots, the scene was secured and released to the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office for further investigation.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. The Smithville Police Department said it will provide updates as the investigation continues.