EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. (KCTV) – People in the auto repair business in Excelsior Springs say not only their auto shop, but the entire industry lost a great friend in the fire that claimed the life of the owner of Hart Auto Repair Shop. .
They say every day that he makes their work more enjoyable.
Kevin O’Connell says when you come to Hart’s Auto Repair Shop, the owner and staff treat you like family.
“He was all about his customers,” O’Connell recalled Thursday, the day after an explosion at an auto shop killed a man and injured another. “We’re visibly upset to hear that because he was there for his customers. He wasn’t there for himself.”
Kevin believes that Hart’s Auto Repair made his shop popular because they cared about him.
“He worked with us to source parts and get help,” O’Connell said. “I really enjoyed talking to him and helping him. It makes my job more fun and better.”
Excelsior Springs currently has two explosion fires less than three months apart. Although not connected, the fire department has suffered significant damage.
“We’re training as best we can, and obviously we’re seeing points where we can get even stronger,” Fire Chief Joe Maddick said. “And we’re going to work on that and refine our tactics a little bit.”
Investigators say the owner of the Hertz used a cutting torch to open the barrel before it exploded, and there may have been flammable material inside. The garage may remain in ruins, but local auto repair experts are working together to honor its owner’s legacy.
“Everyone wanted his help. They wanted his expertise,” O’Connell said. “And he was always willing to share his knowledge and build the industry in a positive way.”
Neither the Excelsior Springs Fire Department nor the Excelsior Springs Police Department have identified the owner who died in the fire.
The Missouri State Fire Marshal is also assisting in the investigation. Another employee also suffered burns in the explosion, but is expected to recover.
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