Just before 5 pm Thursday evening a thick black smoke could be seen clouding the sky over Topeka. Fire officials were dispatched to the scene of the fire, which had fully engulfed the former WIBW-TV and Radio building that stood on the historical grounds of Menninger’s Hospital.
For years, the Menninger property has been the talk of many Kansas paranormal investigative teams because it was believed to be haunted. Numerous teams hoped for the opportunity to investigate the old buildings and the property but for years, they were denied. The property was filled with old tunnel openings that were hidden in tall grasses and the buildings were deemed unsafe due to structure damage and mold.
Last summer Kansas Paranormal Research Society-KPRS and Everyday-Legacy Paranormal teamed together to investigate the property in search of answers as to whether the old property or its buildings were in fact haunted.
“Our team feels blessed to have been amongst the only teams officially allowed on the property to investigate this building and the others that are still there,” says Brenda Mason, founder of Kansas Paranormal Research Society- KPRS.
A different company than that which currently owns the Menninger grounds owned the former WIBW-TV and Radio building but they had not done anything with the building. The building was grossly neglected and over grown with ivy, weeds, and trees.
WIBW-TV was Topeka’s first TV station. It began operating in that building in 1953 and later in the 1950’s WIBW Radio was born in the same building. It wasn’t until 2001 that the television station would move to a new location.
Sadly this historical landmark that touched so many lives had suffered massive vandalism and was due to be demolished. Though the structure was deemed unsafe, squatters were often found hiding in the rubble that not so long ago housed one of Topeka’s top media outlets.
Firefighters chose to contain the fire as opposed to putting it out in order to protect the grassy area around the building since water was limited and hydrants were so far away. Many stunned onlookers gathered in nearby areas to watch as the building burned.
Fire Officials stated that the fire was intentionally set and began in either the attic or the roof of the building. Firefighters will be onsite most of the night making sure that fire is fully extinguished.
Sadly, one firefighter was injured while battling this enormous blaze and sent to a local hospital. It is believed that the injuries sustained by the firefighter were not life threatening.
“It is a sad thing for any historical building to be destroyed. This building was not only the WIBW-TV and Radio building; it was originally the orphanage at Menninger’s. It is a sad loss for Topeka and investigators all over Kansas,” said Brenda.
Paranormal investigative teams, many that began their television and radio careers, and numerous residents of Topeka will forever recall with fond memories the old WIBW building.
Fire investigators are asking for the publics help in solving this case as the investigation continues. Several reports have said that at least two individuals may have been seen on the roof and around the buildings. Their identities remain a mystery.
Anyone with any information as to the cause of this blaze or the individuals that may have been seen there is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 234-0007.
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