Police identify Smithville man who died in home explosion

SMITHVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) – Five days after a house fire took the life of an elderly man, law enforcement has identified the victim.

The Smithville Police Department stated that 71-year-old Scott Ritzinger died when his house in the 300 block of East Meadow Street went up in flames on Jan. 28, 2026.

First responders received reports of a home explosion and fire about 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the house engulfed…

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