SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- One person died in a home that burned in the 1900 block of East Elm Street early Tuesday morning.
Springfield Police Lieutenant Tad Peters says the victim had injuries in addition to those caused by the fire. Springfield Police is in the process of identifying the victim and notifying family members.
Investigators are trying to pinpoint how the fire began. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, but authorities say they could have been electrical in nature. A security guard, who was passing by the area, says he saw smoke coming from the garage, then saw explosions in the garage. He called 911 around 4 a.m.
Springfield Police Lt. Greg Wheelen said fire crews had to break their way into the house. They thought they found two bodies, as well as a few things that "concerned" them. The major crimes team was called in to investigate.
Springfield police on scene initially said two bodies were found, but later confirmed only one death. Police said around 9:30 a.m. that more people could be trapped as a roof collapsed into the basement of the home.
Firefighters remain on scene, which is now being treated as a crime scene, according to police. The fire was put out at roughly 8 a.m.
