A gas explosion in a neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area created chaos on Thursday. The blast destroyed at least one house, sending debris flying and causing injuries to six people, according to fire officials.
Video footage captured the moment the house exploded. It showed a peaceful scene suddenly disrupted as the home was engulfed in flames and debris. Brittany Maldonado, a neighbor, described the shock. “We were sitting in the house, and everything shook. It felt like we were watching a war video,” she shared.
Alameda County Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto reported that while the exact identities of the injured were unclear, three of them had serious injuries and were taken to the hospital. In total, three homes on two lots suffered extensive damage. Firefighters faced additional hazards when power lines fell nearby, forcing them to pause their efforts.
The area, known as Ashland and near Hayward, has been undergoing construction to improve sidewalks and bike lanes. This work may have played a role in the incident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the explosion. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was alerted around 7:35 a.m. about a damaged underground gas line caused by a construction crew not affiliated with them. While workers attempted to isolate the line, gas continued to leak. It wasn’t until 9:25 a.m. that the flow of gas stopped, but the explosion occurred shortly afterward.
Interestingly, PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian noted that even after the gas was stopped, a significant amount had already leaked, leading to the explosion just ten minutes later. An excavator was working near the house when the explosion occurred, with workers close by trying to address the damage.
The neighborhood consisted mostly of single-story homes with neat yards and was bustling due to construction efforts. This incident highlights the risks associated with underground utilities, especially in growing suburban areas.
According to a report from the National Fire Protection Association, gas explosions like this can happen when construction crews accidentally disturb gas lines. These incidents often lead to severe injuries and property loss. In the U.S., nearly 4,000 gas explosions are reported annually, emphasizing the need for safety during construction projects.
In times of social media, reactions to such events can spread quickly. Videos and updates circulated across platforms as residents shared their disbelief and concern.
In summary, this tragic event reflects the ongoing challenges cities face regarding infrastructure development and safety. As investigations continue, it will be vital to address how to prevent similar accidents in the future.
For more information on gas safety and prevention tips, please refer to the National Fire Protection Association’s resources here.
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General news, Fires, Explosions, U.S. news, Article, 128322781
