Underground gas line strike triggers Bay Area explosion, injures six amid utility work
A powerful gas explosion leveled a home and damaged several others in the East Bay community of Ashland after a construction crew struck an underground gas line, according to the Associated Press. The blast sent debris flying, ignited a major fire, and hospitalized six people on Dec. 11.
Video footage captured the moment a house on a quiet residential street suddenly erupted, sending splintered wood and smoke high into the air. Nearby residents said the force of the explosion shattered windows and shook neighboring homes.
Alameda County Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto said the explosion destroyed at least one home and severely damaged two others. Seventy-five firefighters responded to the scene but had to briefly retreat when downed power lines caused electrical shocks.
The incident occurred near ongoing road construction to expand sidewalks and bike lanes. As reported by the Associated Press, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. was notified around 7:35 a.m. that a non-utility crew had damaged an underground natural gas main. PG&E crews worked to isolate the leak, but gas continued escaping from multiple points before the explosion ignited around 9:30 a.m.—roughly ten minutes after the line was shut off.
The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed investigators to determine the cause. Doorbell footage from a nearby home showed an excavator digging directly in front of the residence before the explosion, underscoring the risks of underground utility strikes during construction activity.
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