San Bruno Gas Explosion Kills at Least Six

An explosion ripped through a San Bruno neighborhood in California last night around 6 pm PST, destroying at least 55 homes, damaging dozens of others, and leaving at least six dead. 35-38 residents have been taken to local hospitals, many with severe burns. Firefighters responding to the San Bruno explosion expect that number to rise as they begin to contain the fire and search the area. The San Bruno explosion occurred just two miles from the San Francisco International airport, causing residents to first believe that a plane had crashed. PG&E, the natural gas supplier to the area, later confirmed that the San Bruno explosion had been caused by a rupture of a main gas feeder line.

The explosion also damaged water lines, leaving firefighters unable to douse the fires immediately. Hoses were cobbled together to bring in water from three miles away.

A PG&E spokesman reported to CNN Friday morning that they would be investigating the cause of the explosion but declined to respond to reports that the San Bruno neighborhood had reported strong gas smells for three weeks leading up to the fire.

Electricity remains turned off to the area and emergency personnel are setting up catchment areas for affected residents to get food and shelter. Police in San Bruno are requesting that residents check in with them to determine how many residents might still be missing.

PG&E has been responsible for gas explosions prior to the San Bruno incident. On Christmas Eve, 2008, a family in Rancho Cordova, near Sacramento, was preparing for festivities when a gas buildup in their home ignited and leveled the house. The gas explosion killed Wilbert Paana, 72, and severely burned his 44 year old daughter and 17 year old granddaughter. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated and found that a PG&E employee had used an incorrect pipe when repairing gas service outside the house in 2006. The NTSB also found that PG&E employed field service representatives who were not properly trained and did not carry proper equipment to be able to detect gas leaks.

The NTSB will be on site at the San Bruno gas explosion later today to begin their investigation as to the cause of the gas leak and resulting fire.

Sources:
Explosion Death Toll Rises to Six in San Bruno
NTSB Finds PG&E Guilty in 2008 Rancho Cordova Explosion