COLUMBUS – At approximately 5:42 Saturday morning, Columbus Fire Department responded to
reports of a house fire at 1052 20th Ave. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the
house with an active fire in the living room. Four individuals occupying the house at the time of the
fire were transported to Columbus Community Hospital where they were pronounced deceased.
The victims have been identified as Lars Barcel, 27, Janelle Miller, 28, and two children all of
Columbus. Preliminary autopsy results indicate the cause of death was smoke inhalation related to
the fire.
Following a joint investigation, State Fire Marshal Investigators along with the Columbus Police
Department determined an ember from the wood burning fireplace ignited nearby combustible
materials. Battery operated smoke detectors were present in the house; however, the investigation
found that the batteries were not connected.
Responding agencies included the Columbus Fire Department, Columbus Rural Fire Department,
Columbus Police Department, Midwest Medical and the Platte County Attorney’s Office.
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