Body found in search of rubble at JJ's restaurant, site of Plaza fire

From KSHB.com

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Authorities said a body has been found in the rubble where JJ's Restaurant once stood. They did not release information on the gender or identity of the body.

Authorities had been looking for a missing woman. She was an employee of JJ's, but no other details were given about her.

Early reports indicated that two people were missing -- a man and a woman. Just after 5 a.m. Wednesday, officials said the man was safely located at an area hospital. Officials recanted that information during a 10:30 a.m. news conference, though. They said the man was not at the site of the explosion and had contacted his family.

Mayor James said he spoke to Jimmy Frantzè, the restaurant’s owner, who said his main concern isn’t the restaurant or damage, but the people who worked with him and their safety.

A gas main break outside of the restaurant sparked the explosion and five-alarm fire that wounded at least 14 people early Tuesday evening.

St. Luke's Hospital said Wednesday morning that one person remains in critical condition and one in serious condition. Both are in the intensive care unit.

Investigators will have a tough day ahead of them, as temperatures have dropped and the area prepares for a winter storm.

Several area roads are closed around the scene. The public is asked to avoid the area.