KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department responded to an overnight apartment fire around 2:30 a.m. in the 900 block of Benton Boulevard.
One person died in the fire and investigators have termed the death suspicious.
As many as 27 people were displaced by the fire, according to KCFD. The local Red Cross chapter is assisting 23 of the 27 displaced individuals.
Investigators with KCPD's Bomb and Arson Unit responded to the scene.
"Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, our homicide detectives responded to the scene as well as our crime scene technicians," KCPD said in a statement. "This is considered a suspicious death investigation at this time until the medical examiner’s office makes an official ruling on the death."
Upon arrival, KCFD firefighters reported flames coming from the building's second floor. Rescuers using ladders helped roughly a dozen people escape through windows and balconies.
KCFD said a second person at the apartment complex was hospitalized for a separate health-related reason.
RideKC provided a warming bus for residents Monday morning.
Police later identified the victim as Stanley Singleton, 45. As of Oct. 28, the death is still considered to be suspicious as "the medical exaiminer's office has not made a ruling."
Homicide detectives continue to investigate.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call KCPD homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or use the anonymous Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477).
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