San Francisco Bay Area Gas Explosion Levels Home, Injures Six After Crew Strikes Line

A massive gas explosion destroyed a home and injured six people in California’s Bay Area Thursday morning. The blast occurred in the Ashland community near Hayward just before 9:30 a.m. It sent shockwaves through the neighborhood and triggered a major fire.

The incident began hours earlier when a construction crew accidentally hit an underground gas line. This critical detail, confirmed by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), sets the stage for a devastating chain of events.

Construction Error and Delayed Response Fueled Disaster

PG&E stated a non-utility construction team damaged the line on Lewelling Boulevard around 7:35 a.m. Crews were working on a project to widen sidewalks and install bike lanes. Utility workers arrived quickly to isolate the ruptured pipe.

Gas continued leaking from multiple points, however. PG&E finally stopped the flow at 9:25 a.m. The massive explosion erupted roughly ten minutes later. According to PG&E, stopping the gas took time due to the need to safely isolate the specific line.

Extensive Damage and Harrowing Rescues Follow Blast

The explosion flattened at least one house and severely damaged two other structures. Alameda County fire officials reported three more buildings with minor to major damage. Approximately 75 firefighters battled the resulting three-alarm blaze.

Six people were transported to area hospitals with injuries. Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto said three had serious injuries. The status of the other three is less severe. Some firefighters had to pull back after feeling electric shocks from downed power lines.

Residents Describe Moment of Terror as Home Erupts

Doorbell camera footage captured the terrifying instant of the explosion. The video shows a quiet street before a sudden, massive fireball erupts and consumes a home. The force blew out walls and scattered debris across the street.

Resident Brittany Maldonado was inside her home directly across the street. “Everything shook. Stuff fell off the walls,” she said. “We thought someone had just flown off the freeway.” She and her husband later watched their neighbor’s home explode on their doorbell camera feed.

Federal Investigation Launched into Pipeline Strike

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is sending a team to investigate. They will examine the initial pipeline strike and the subsequent events leading to the explosion. This is a standard procedure for significant incidents involving infrastructure.

The neighborhood remains partially cordoned off as authorities assess the full damage. The focus now shifts to supporting the injured and displaced families while investigators seek answers.

The Bay Area gas explosion serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by damaged utility lines. The community is now grappling with the aftermath as a federal probe begins.

Thought you’d like to know

Where did the Bay Area gas explosion happen?

The explosion occurred in the unincorporated community of Ashland. This area is near the city of Hayward in Alameda County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area.

What caused the gas leak in Ashland?

A construction crew working on a sidewalk and bike lane project struck an underground gas line. The rupture occurred hours before the explosion, leading to a significant leak.

How many people were hurt in the explosion?

Six people were injured and taken to local hospitals. Fire officials reported three had serious injuries, while three others sustained more minor wounds.

Was the explosion caught on video?

Yes. Doorbell camera footage from a nearby home captured the moment of the blast. It shows the house being engulfed by a fireball and debris flying into the street.

Who is investigating the incident?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is sending investigators. They will look into the pipeline strike and the utility’s response to the leak.

What utility company was involved?

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) owns and operates the gas line that was struck. Their crews responded to the initial report to try and isolate the leak.