By AP/KWMU
Anderson, MO. – The state fire marshal's office says at least ten people have been killed in a fire at a home for the elderly and mentally challenged in Anderson, a small town in southwest Missouri.
State fire marshal Randy Cole confirmed the deaths early Monday in the Anderson Guest House.
At least 25 other people were taken to area hospitals. About 35 people were at the facility when the fire broke out.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and names of the victims had not yet been released.
Anderson is south of Joplin, in the southwestern most county in the state.
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole said the building was "very heavily damaged" before the fire was brought under control just before daylight.
He said the home was run by the Missouri Mental Health Department and Department of Health and Senior Services. The departments did not immediately have any comment.