Kansas City, MO -- Firefighters are battling a four-alarm fire raging in downtown Kansas City Tuesday, according to KCTV.
Multiple injuries have been reported. At least three are in critical condition at the nearby St. Luke's Medical Center. Those three suffered burns and cuts.
A spokesman for the Kansas City Fire Department said a gas explosion sparked the blaze.
Witnesses described seeing employees and patrons at JJ's Restaurant run out of the restaurant covered in blood. The University of Kansas Hospital reports treating five patients.
The fire was reported about 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Streets are being shut off near St. Luke's Medical Center where at least two victims were taken.
KCTV is reporting that up to 10 people have been injured.
Residents who live near the popular restaurant said they smelled gas and reported it to the utility company about an hour before the explosion rocked their homes.
People nearby said the explosion was so powerful it shook doors and windows at nearby restaurants, homes and retail establishments.
Johnson County has sent two ambulances and two fire trucks to the scene to assist.
An explosion at the headquarters of Mexico's state-owned oil company killed 37 people and injured 121 Jan. 31.
Officials are trying to determine if a water-heating system may have leaked gas - possibly methane, or the gas build up was naturally occurring beneath the building. The explosion collapsed three floors of the building.
KCTV