Des Moines Library closes after police say man set himself on fire

Des Moines police say Locust Street from 10th through 12th streets is temporarily closed due to a fire investigation after a man reportedly set himself on fire. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. at the downtown Des Moines Library at 1000 Grand Ave. The library has been closed and evacuated.Police said the man poured an unknown liquid on himself and then set himself on fire. Library staff used a fire extinguisher and put out the flames. The man was taken to a local hospital.There was no immediate word on the condition of the 36-year-old man.The Des Moines Library announced on social media that it will remain closed until further notice.Police ask that you find an alternate route if needing to travel through this area.KCCI 8 News has a crew at the scene. Check the KCCI Breaking News and Weather App for updates on this developing story.

Des Moines police say Locust Street from 10th through 12th streets is temporarily closed due to a fire investigation after a man reportedly set himself on fire.

The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. at the downtown Des Moines Library at 1000 Grand Ave. The library has been closed and evacuated.


Police said the man poured an unknown liquid on himself and then set himself on fire.

Library staff used a fire extinguisher and put out the flames. The man was taken to a local hospital.

There was no immediate word on the condition of the 36-year-old man.

The Des Moines Library announced on social media that it will remain closed until further notice.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Our Central Library is closed until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. — Des Moines Public Library (@dmpl) September 17, 2019

Police ask that you find an alternate route if needing to travel through this area.

KCCI 8 News has a crew at the scene. Check the KCCI Breaking News and Weather App for updates on this developing story.