Subcontractor for Time Warner doing work at time of blast

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Heartland Midwest was doing subcontract work for Time Warner Cable at the time of Tuesday’s explosion at JJ’s Restaurant on the Country Club Plaza.

Heartland Midwest confirmed to FOX 4 Wednesday afternoon subcontractors were extending a fiber line to a nearby business when the line was struck.

SPECIAL COVERAGE: JJ’s Restaurant explosion, blast

Fifteen people were hurt — some critically — in the explosion that rocked the west side of the Plaza Tuesday evening. The blast was felt at least a block away, shattering windows and shaking nerves of many in the area. Some said their first thought was that a bomb had exploded.

More than 100 firefighters spent 50 minutes battling the blaze.

Police said roads are being reopened around the site of the blast. Roanoke has already reopened and Belleview is expected to be reopened by 4:30 p.m., police said.

The only remaining road closure is 48th Street from Jarboe to Roanoke, police said Wednesday afternoon.