KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An auto repair shop owner died after an explosion in Excelsior Springs on Wednesday afternoon, police said.
Just after 1:15 p.m., emergency crews responded to Hart's Auto Repair shop on reports of a fire.
On arrival, they found a massive fire caused as a result of the explosion.
Police confirmed the owner of Hart's Auto Repair died in the incident. A second person was transported to an area hospital after being injured in the explosion.
A preliminary investigation found he was using a cutting torch tool to open a 55-gallon barrel or drum.
Once the barrel or drum was cut open, a chemical caused a reaction and an explosion.
The impact of the explosion caused the shop to catch fire along with cars and equipment.
Police said that due to the potential for flammable and explosive substances at the shop, surrounding homes were evacuated.
Images captured by "Excelsior Citizen" showed a massive fire at Hart's Auto Repair.
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