A San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood was rocked Thursday morning when an underground gas line rupture in Hayward, California, triggered a powerful explosion and fire that injured at least six people and damaged multiple homes and buildings. Local outlets reported that the incident occurred after a construction crew struck a gas pipe earlier in the day, setting off a chain reaction that escalated into a destructive three-alarm blaze.
Authorities said the explosion happened just after 9:30 a.m. local time, several hours after the gas line was damaged. The impact sent debris flying across the Lewelling Boulevard area and left nearby residents stunned by the force of the blast. At least eight fire engines and two trucks were dispatched as firefighters worked quickly to contain flames engulfing multiple structures.
Emergency responders transported the six injured individuals to nearby hospitals, though their conditions were not immediately disclosed. ABC7 News reported that officials were still assessing the severity of the injuries as crews continued to secure the area.
One resident, Brittany Maldonado, described the moment the explosion rocked her home. “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,” she told the station. She shared doorbell camera footage that showed a quiet suburban street suddenly consumed by a massive blast and a rising cloud of debris.
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Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) confirmed that the underground gas pipe rupture was caused by a third-party construction team around 7:30 a.m. The crew had been working on a long-standing project to expand bike lanes and sidewalks along Lewelling Boulevard, according to ABC7.
PG&E said workers rushed to the site to control the flow of gas, shutting off multiple points by 9:25 a.m., but the explosion occurred just 10 minutes later. NBC Bay Area reported that firefighters arrived at 9:38 a.m. to find several buildings already burning intensely.
Officials said three buildings sustained extensive structural damage, with another nearby structure experiencing “minor to major damage.” The blast radius also sent debris scattering across yards and rooftops, prompting evacuations and door-to-door safety checks.
The explosion underscores ongoing safety challenges associated with construction in dense residential corridors, particularly in areas where aging underground infrastructure remains vulnerable. Investigations are underway to determine whether proper utility marking, safety protocols, and excavation practices were followed before the line was ruptured.
As crews continue to secure the site and evaluate structural hazards, officials said the priority remains ensuring residents can safely return home and preventing further gas-related risks.
Originally reported by The Guardian.
