A devastating gas explosion rocked a Hayward neighborhood on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and injury in its wake. The incident, captured on video, has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
The Aftermath of a Gas Line Rupture
At approximately 9:30 a.m., a construction crew inadvertently damaged an underground gas line, setting off a chain of events that culminated in a three-alarm fire and a massive explosion. The blast was so powerful that it obliterated at least one home, shattered windows, and sent shockwaves through nearby residences.
Six individuals were rushed to the hospital, with two of them believed to be workers on the street. The victims, all transported to Eden Medical Center, included three individuals in serious condition. The dramatic footage, captured by a Ring doorbell camera, offers a chilling glimpse into the chaos that unfolded.
The Moment of Impact
In the video, a large excavator can be seen digging in front of the home that would soon explode. A worker stands nearby, unaware of the impending disaster. Within seconds, a massive explosion and a wall of flames engulf the house, blowing out its walls and roof. People in the vicinity appear dazed, but quickly spring into action, rushing towards the home to search for victims. The worker, now covered in debris, is assisted by several colleagues who lift a large piece of wreckage from near the excavator.
Brittany Maldonado, who provided the doorbell cam footage, described the experience as surreal. "We were sitting in the house, and everything just shook. Stuff fell off the walls, and when we looked at the camera, it was like watching a war video," she recounted to ABC7 News.
The explosion and fire impacted two homes and a workshop located at the back of one of them. Another residence sustained damage to the side facing the blast. The neighborhood, a mix of housing and businesses, is situated just off Highway 238.
The Role of Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) was alerted to the damaged gas line around 7:35 a.m. Utility workers arrived to isolate the line, but gas continued to leak from various locations. Despite their efforts, the flow of gas was not stopped until 9:25 a.m., just ten minutes before the devastating explosion.
Tamar Sarkissian, a spokesperson for PG&E, confirmed that gas had been flowing for two hours before the explosion. She explained that isolating the line and halting the gas flow took time, raising questions about the response and potential delays.
Unaccounted Residents
Fire officials are currently working to locate two residents who are unaccounted for. Their car is not at the location, leading authorities to believe they may have been away from their home at the time of the explosion. However, efforts are underway to confirm their whereabouts and ensure their safety.
This developing story continues to unfold, with authorities and the community grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident. Stay tuned to ABC7 News for further updates as more information becomes available.
Note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.
