18 tenants of a burned up apartment complex are students of Webster University

SHREWSBURY, Mo. (KMOX)-- 18 tenants of the Ridge Crest Apartments in Shrewsbury, which went up in flames last week, were students at Webster Unversity. The fire displaced 30 people from the building last Monday.

Shrewsbury Fire Department told KMOX they had to rescue an adult and child from the second floor. Maplewood Fire, who was assisting, said one of their firefighters was taken to the hospital.

"Gratefully, I'm happy to let you know that they all were able to evacuate the building and no injuries," said Webster Dean of Students John Buck. "It did leave them with next to nothing. The fire engulfed the building in many places and so most of their belongings were a total loss."

A donation page setup through givecampus.org has raised more than $9200 at the writing of this story.

"A crowdsource funding program we have called GorLoks Now! is a place where alumni and university supporters can help donate money when there's a crisis. [The program] came out of the COVID pandemic years ago."

Webster University is making sure the students have the technology they need to do class work.

A Clothing & Essentials Collection Drive for the students will be held on Monday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Hall, 240 Edgar Road (entrance is off Garden Avenue).