Fatal Overland Park duplex fire

Posted: October 2, 2011 - 1:35am

Updated: October 12, 2011 - 10:30am

Today, Overland Park Fire Department Investigators have released the cause of this fire is believed to have been related to an electrical issue in the duplex's attic.

Original Story:

Video provided by the Overland Park Fire Department.

The Overland Park Fire Department is investigating a duplex fire in the 10200 block of west 86th Street. The fire broke out around 10:50 p.m. Saturday night. Responding fire crews were advised that a young child was in an upstairs bedroom and other residents were unable to get to that bedroom to rescue the child.

Upon arrival at the scene, fire crews reported smoke showing from a two story duplex. Firefighters were able to rescue the young female from the second floor. She was found to be in extremely critical condition with second degree burns to all of her body. She was transported to an area hospital where a short time later she passed away.

Overland Park Fire says four others, including two boys and another girl, were able to escape from the residence prior to the arrival of fire crews. The fire was quickly extinguished with the structure only sustaining minimal damage. One other child received treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.

Preliminary reports indicate that there was a smoke detector in the duplex but, the battery had been removed after the unit began chirping to indicate a low battery level, about a week ago.

Monday morning investigators say it appears the fire originated in the bedroom where the child was found by firefighters. The child has been identified as 8-year-old, Taylor Jackson, who was at the duplex spending the night with a friend. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Investigators remind the public that October is Fire Prevention Month.

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