The University of Kansas Hospital has reported that one person at their
location is in critical condition, while two are in serious condition. All of
the patients at KU have traumatic injuries rather than burns. St. Luke’s
Hospital has indicated they have two patients in critical condition, one with
extensive burns and another with facial trauma. The others injured in the blast
have been treated and released from the hospitals. Heavy equipment has already
been brought in to clear out large pieces of rubble and debris, while cadaver
dogs are currently searching for the missing worker.
Authorities believe that the initial explosion was caused from either a
motor vehicle striking a natural gas line or a piece of heavy equipment
disrupting the gas main. Missouri Gas Energy, who supplies utilities to the
area, released a statement that “early indications are that a contractor doing
underground work struck a natural gas line.” Kansas City Fire Chief Paul
Berardi has indicated that an investigation into the cause of the blast will
begin after a search for any remaining victims is completed.
Residents in the area reportedly smelled gas about an hour before the
explosion, and alerted Missouri Gas Energy. Firefighters and the utility
company then began checking the area for the source of the odor before the
explosion. JJ’s asked their customers to leave, however several employees
stayed behind and were injured in the explosion.
The resulting fire from the explosion spread over an entire block and
lasted about 90 minutes. JJ’s was completely destroyed, and many other shops,
offices and restaurants in the area have suffered heavy damage.
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