A natural gas line leak caused a dramatic explosion in Hayward, California, on Thursday, destroying a home and injuring six people. Fire departments responded swiftly to the situation, which began after utility workers encountered an issue with the gas line.
Explosion Details and Immediate Response
The explosion occurred on the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard. Firefighters received the call at 7:46 a.m. after Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) reported a leak. They arrived to find PG&E personnel already at the scene, who stated that their assistance was not required at that moment.
- Time of first response: 7:46 a.m.
- Explosion time: Approximately 9:35 a.m.
- Number of firefighters on scene: 75
Utility workers attempted to isolate the damaged gas line but found leaks in multiple areas. Gas flow was finally shut off around 9:25 a.m., just before the explosion struck, leading to a scene filled with fire, debris, and smoke.
Casualties and Damage Assessment
Six individuals were reported injured in the explosion, three of whom sustained serious injuries. They were transported to Eden Medical Center for treatment. Thankfully, one person inside the impacted home managed to escape without harm.
According to Alameda County Fire Department spokesperson Cheryl Hurd, the scene was chaotic, with downed power lines and considerable destruction. The blast also damaged several surrounding homes, leading to the destruction of three buildings across two separate properties.
Eyewitness Accounts and Investigation
Eyewitness Brittany Maldonado described her experience, stating that she felt a massive shock about 45 minutes after PG&E workers checked her gas meter. Initially thinking a truck may have hit her house, she realized it was much more severe upon seeing the devastation outside.
Video footage from nearby surveillance captured an excavator working moments before the explosion. Emergency crews first believed two individuals might still be trapped, but this was later disproven after cadaver dogs investigated the area and found no one unaccounted for.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations are ongoing, involving officials from the Sheriff’s Office, PG&E, and the National Transportation Safety Board. The incident raises concerns, especially considering PG&E’s troubled history with pipeline safety.
In a notable previous incident in 2010, a PG&E pipeline rupture in San Bruno resulted in the destruction of 38 homes and eight fatalities. Following that event, California regulators imposed a $1.6 billion fine on the utility for safety violations.
The Hayward explosion has reignited discussions surrounding natural gas safety and the importance of preventive measures during construction work.
