12 of 74 killed in Kentucky tornado outbreak were children; over 100 people still missing

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said Tuesday the state's death toll in what he described as one of "the worst tornado events" in Kentucky history remains at 74, and 12 of those who died were children. The youngest victim was 2 months old and the oldest was 98.

"There are unquestionably more than 100 people that are still unaccounted for," Beshear said at a press briefing.

Officials do not believe the death count will be finalized for several more days. 

Officials have started to clear away debris from the storm and continue damage assessment. Boil water advisories remain in effect for dozens of counties, and Beshear said utility companies are working to restore full power, traffic signals and clean water. 

"It feels pretty good to not just be pushing this stuff out of the way, but to be loading it up and taking it out of town," Beshear said Tuesday. "There's something therapeutic about taking that chaos and destruction and death and getting it out."

Rescue groups are still on-site at the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory, where 8 people died during the storm. Beshear said the owners believe "they have located everyone" and body searching canines have not alerted to any more bodies, which Beshear called a miracle. 

Kentucky State Police are still investigating whether any negligence was involved in keep employees inside the plant and are asking all employees to report to a Mayfield, Kentucky church for interviews. 

At least 152 rooms have already been provided for displaced residents and families in need of emergency housing in state parks. Residents still struggling with food or housing are encouraged to reach out to their local rescue groups 

"We will take care of you," Beshear said.

At least 14 other people were killed in Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee and Missouri. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden will travel to Kentucky to assess the damage in person and speak to state and local officials.