Hayward, CA – A devastating explosion ripped through a Hayward neighborhood Thursday morning, destroying at least one home, injuring six people, and igniting a large fire that shook surrounding houses and shattered windows.
Early Morning Gas Leak Reported
According to the Alameda County Fire Department, crews were initially dispatched at 7:50 a.m. to the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard after reports of a natural gas leak. Firefighters were cleared by PG&E crews just minutes later, around 7:55 a.m.
Two hours later, at 9:38 a.m., dispatchers received new calls reporting a massive explosion at the same address. Flames engulfed multiple structures as smoke poured into the air, visible for blocks.
Doorbell Camera Captures the Moment
A home security video provided by resident Brittany Maldonado showed an excavator digging near the property moments before a tremendous blast tore through the house. The roof and walls blew apart as workers and neighbors were knocked back by the force.
“We were sitting in the house and it just… everything shook,” Maldonado said. “Stuff fell off the walls and when we looked at the camera, it was like you were watching a war video.”
Injuries and Property Damage
Two of the six injured people are believed to be workers on-site at the time of the explosion, officials said. All victims were transported to Eden Medical Center, where three remain in serious condition. In addition to the destroyed home, two others sustained major fire and structural damage, while a nearby workshop was also affected…