HAYWARD, Calif. — A massive explosion sparked by a ruptured gas line rocked a Hayward neighborhood Thursday morning, injuring at least six people and damaging several homes and structures, according to fire officials.
The Alameda County Fire Department responded to the three-alarm fire shortly after 9:30 a.m., deploying eight engines and two trucks to contain the blaze. Officials said the explosion occurred just hours after a construction crew accidentally damaged an underground gas line while working in the area.
Fire officials said at least six people were transported to area hospitals. Two of the injured were believed to be workers who were in the street at the time of the explosion. The conditions of those hospitalized were not immediately known.
Video captured by a nearby home’s Ring doorbell camera shows the moment the explosion ripped through a large building across the street, sending debris into the air and violently shaking nearby homes.
"We were sitting in the house and it just ... everything shook. Stuff fell off the walls. And when we looked at the camera, it was like you were watching a war video," said Brittany Maldonado, who provided the doorbell cam footage.
Authorities said two homes were directly impacted by the explosion and subsequent fire, along with a workshop located behind one of the residences. Another nearby home sustained damage on the side facing the blast. The area includes a mix of residential properties and businesses.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) said it was notified around 7:30 a.m. that a third-party construction crew had struck an underground gas line while digging. The street has been part of a long-running construction project to widen sidewalks and add bike lanes.
PG&E crews responded to the scene and worked to shut off the gas, which had been leaking from multiple locations. The utility said gas flow was stopped by approximately 9:25 a.m. The explosion occurred roughly 10 minutes later, at about 9:35 a.m.
Fire officials continue to investigate the incident as crews assess structural damage and ensure the area is safe. Residents in the neighborhood were urged to remain cautious as cleanup and inspections continue.
Originally reported by ABC 7 Chicago.
