U.S. officials say a fire triggered by a natural gas explosion engulfed a restaurant in Missouri, injuring at least 16 people.<br/> <br />The explosion shook the Country Club Plaza, an upscale shopping mall just south of downtown Kansas City on Tuesday evening.<br/> <br />Fire Chief Paul Berardi said dogs and search teams were combing the charred debris for remains of anyone who may have perished.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Chief Paul Berardi, Kansas City Fire Department saying:<br/> <br />"I would always fear that there are fatalities in a situation like this. When we got to the scene we had a fully involved restaurant that had patrons, probably several patrons inside at the time of the incident, and that's why we are searching as we are."<br/> <br />Witnesses said at least 12 ambulances swarmed the scene, as firefighters battled the flames.<br/> <br />Three people are reported to be in critical condition.<br/> <br />Officials say the precise origin of the blast is not known. But an office building was under construction across the street from the fire.<br/> <br />Restaurant employees, who were not working at the time of the blast said staff had begun to evacuate the building after smelling gas.
