Explosion in underground PG&E vault leaves one dead in Richmond, Calif.

(UI) — Last month, a man was found dead in an underground Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) vault early following a series of explosions in the area, according to KTVU Fox 2.

Fire crews were alerted around 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 20 by reports of blasts near South Second Street and Cutting Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered a body inside a flooded utility vault that appeared to have been accessed recently. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion that rattled their homes.

Deputy Fire Chief Aaron Osorio described the vault as 20-by-12 feet and 15 feet deep, partially filled with water. The man appeared to have been electrocuted after contacting live electrical lines before falling into the water. Osorio also told KTVU that makeshift catwalks were found inside, indicating repeated unauthorized access, likely by unhoused individuals in the area.

The recovery operation was highly dangerous, requiring PG&E to reroute power and de-energize the lines due to the vault’s proximity to a major substation powering half of Richmond. Osorio emphasized the complex and hazardous conditions for rescue teams navigating the entanglement risks and makeshift structures inside the vault.

Residents expressed concern over ongoing issues with underground infrastructure in the area. Jay Fowler, owner of a nearby business, noted that vandalism and tampering with utility equipment have been frequent. “They’ve been damaging poles and accessing these vaults,” Fowler told KTVU Fox 2.

Fire officials cautioned the public against the dangers of underground vaults and urged residents to report any unauthorized access to utility sites. PG&E acknowledged a power outage impacting over 1,500 customers just before the body was discovered but did not provide further comments on the incident.

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