Bodies of 1 man, 1 dog recovered from site
By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com
GLADSTONE — The Gladstone Fire Department has confirmed that the bodies of one man and one dog have been recovered from the debris after the May 31 home explosion in the 100 block of Northeast 74th Terrace.
As of Monday, June 2, Gladstone Fire Chief Michael L. Desautels said they are still waiting on the medical examiner to confirm identification.
Neighbors and family believe the homeowner Richard Adams was killed in the blast.
Desautels said the city has hired crews to remove the debris and start aiding the neighbors with claims.
“I expect the area to be cleared by the end of the day,” he said.
City staff canvassed the neighborhood, distributing flyers with cleanup information.
Building inspectors have also been going door to door to speak directly with residents whose homes
were closest to the explosion, checking for possible structural damage. That assessment process is
expected to be completed by the end of the day.
The fire chief has been with the city for 20 years.
“I really feel for the family and the neighbors,” he said. “Our role is to care for our neighbors and get some resources to them.”
The call came in around 11:15 a.m. Saturday, May 31.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the home destroyed. As a precaution, adjacent homes were evacuated. The debris field included across the street from the exploded house.
The Kansas City Fire Department also brought in crews to help extinguish the fire as well. Liberty sent a pumper as well.
“We had 61 personnel onsite,” Desautels said. “We are fortunate to have mutual aid, but especially in the Northland, departments step in to help.”
The Mid-America Regional Council’s regional mutual aid agreement can send departments even across state lines if needed, Desautels explained.
He said there were no injuries to any of the firefighters on scene. Teams were rotating to help combat heat exhaustion.
The American Red Cross was on scene as well to help families impacted.
The State Marshall’s Office, ATF, Missouri Task Force One with their dogs were at the site as well.
