By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com

GLADSTONE — As of 2 p.m. Saturday, May 31, the Gladstone Fire Department, along with Kansas City Fire Department Investigation was still on the scene of a house explosion in the 100 block of Northeast 74th Terrace. The street is between North Oak Trafficway and Main Street. Currently, avoid the area as the investigation in ongoing.

Gladstone Fire Chief Michael L. Desautels said the call came into the department around 11:15 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the home destroyed. As a precaution, adjacent homes were evacuated. The debris field includes across the street from the exploded house.

The Kansas City Fire Department also brought in crews to help extinguish the fire as well.

“The explosion is under investigation,” Desautels said. “It is undetermined as to the cause of the explosion. The house is down to the foundation. There is damage to both homes next door.”

Kansas City Fire even took a drone up to help with the investigation.

“Our priorities are to make sure the scene is stabilized, and the rest of the neighborhood is safe,” Desautels said.

He said there were no injuries to any of the firefighters on scene.

Desautels said the department is currently moving through the debris field.

“My heart goes out to the family. We want to do a thorough investigation,” he said.

The American Red Cross was on scene as well to help families impacted.

The investigation is ongoing. Details will be shared as the investigation progresses.