Image Source: KCTV5 BY MADISON MACK ANCHOR ELIZABETH HAGEDORN A massive fire broke out in downtown Kansas City Tuesday evening following an explosion that nearly destroyed a restaurant. A Kansas City Fire Department spokesperson said the fire was started by the explosion after a car crashed into a gas main outside of JJ’s restaurant in the Country Club Plaza. “People nearby described hearing the explosion that rocked the area. The explosion was so powerful it shook doors and windows at nearby restaurants, homes and retail establishments.” At least 19 people were taken to hospitals and the Kansas City Star reports at least 7 of those are in critical condition from trauma injuries not burns. Local media are reporting a Missouri Gas crew had been working in the area and asked people in a nearby building to evacuate about 30 minutes prior to the explosion. One witness told the KC Star. “...the streets in the area were blocked off between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. because of the smell and he saw Missouri Gas Energy workers inside JJs with gas detectors. [He] said an alarm went off but the gas workers did not appear to panic.” The four-alarm blaze burned for about 90 minutes. A Police spokeswoman said it "appears to be contained” and the police are still investigating the cause of the leak.