Additional Coverage:
Gas Explosion Rocks Hayward Area, Injuring Six and Damaging Homes
HAYWARD, CA – A gas explosion ignited a massive blaze in an unincorporated community near Hayward on Thursday, December 11th, leaving six people injured and significantly damaging multiple homes. The incident prompted a rapid response from emergency crews and has launched an investigation into its cause.
At approximately 9:40 a.m. local time, firefighters were dispatched to reports of an explosion and house fire. Alameda County Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto confirmed that roughly 75 firefighters arrived on scene, where they quickly escalated the incident to a three-alarm fire due to the involvement of multiple structures.
“We had six victims in this incident,” Nishimoto stated during a press conference. “All six were transported to hospitals – unknown of their status or their injuries.”
At least three buildings on two separate properties suffered “significantly damaged,” according to Nishimoto. An adjacent property also sustained “some minor to major damage” on the side facing the explosion.
Aerial footage from local news outlets depicted a large plume of smoke rising into the sky as firefighters navigated debris scattered across the area. A Ring doorbell camera captured video showing an excavator working in front of the residence that exploded, with a worker standing nearby, moments before the blast.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced it is sending a team to investigate the explosion, which reportedly followed damage to a nearby underground natural gas pipeline.
PG&E Confirms Construction Crew Damaged Gas Line
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) confirmed to USA TODAY that it received an alert around 7:35 a.m. local time regarding a construction crew, unaffiliated with PG&E, striking an underground gas line while digging at a property.
Utility crews were immediately dispatched and discovered gas leaking at two separate locations. While crews successfully stopped the gas flow around 9:25 a.m., the explosion occurred approximately 10 minutes later.
“PG&E will be conducting an extensive investigation around potential cause and will support other investigations that may take place,” the company said in a statement.
Local Officials Monitoring Situation
Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas acknowledged that while the incident occurred in an unincorporated area outside his jurisdiction, his office is in close contact with local officials and PG&E.
“Like many of you watching the scenes unfold on television, I am watching closely and praying that no one is seriously hurt,” Salinas shared in a Facebook statement.
California Assemblymember Liz Ortega, D-San Leandro, expressed her concern for those affected, particularly the injured and their families. She also extended gratitude to first responders and healthcare workers for their “courageous service.”
“My office will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide support however we can,” Ortega stated.