Two firefighters were killed and two others were injured when a fire-engulfed building collapsed in Kansas City late Monday, officials said.
Kansas City Fire Department spokesman James Garrett told NBC News firefighters responded to an apartment fire at around 7:30 p.m and pulled two civilians out of the burning building before it collapsed. Four firefighters were hurt responding to the blaze — he said two succumbed to their injuries and the others were hospitalized in stable condition.
"They did not die in vain," Kansas City Fire Chief Paul Berardi told NBC affiliate KSHB. "They saved two civilians, carried them out of the second floor on ladders before the wall collapsed."
Kansas City Mayor Sly James sent prayers and condolences to loved ones of the victims and injured.
"Tonight's tragic loss is a reminder that Kansas City firefighters put their lives on the line for all of us every day," he said on Twitter.
