Hayward, California — A gas explosion rocked a neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday, injuring six people and leaving several homes damaged. The blast occurred around 9:38 a.m. local time, prompting a swift response from emergency crews and fire departments.
According to the Alameda County Fire Department, the explosion led to a substantial fire that escalated to three alarm levels, involving about 75 firefighters. Eyewitness reports revealed that three buildings were completely destroyed, while several adjacent structures sustained damage.
All residents have since been accounted for, and the Red Cross is providing assistance to families displaced by the incident. The area had been undergoing construction work to enhance sidewalks and bike lanes, which may have contributed to the explosion.
Witnesses described the moment of the blast. Brittany Maldonado, who lives across the street from the explosion site, recounted how she and her husband rushed to their doorbell camera after feeling the tremor. “We thought someone had just flown off the freeway into our living room,” she said after seeing the footage of their neighbor’s home erupt in flames and debris.
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto confirmed that three individuals sustained minor injuries, while three others were hospitalized with more serious conditions. As the fire unfolded, dramatic video footage captured the chaotic scene, with smoke billowing into the sky and debris scattered across the neighborhood.
The incident began earlier in the morning when Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) was notified at 7:35 a.m. about a damaged underground gas line caused by a nearby construction crew. Utility workers promptly responded but reported ongoing leaks despite efforts to isolate the gas line. After successfully stopping the flow by 9:25 a.m., the explosion occurred approximately ten minutes later, catching residents and workers by surprise.
PG&E has confirmed that three of its workers were among the injured. The situation is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board, which is assessing the cause of both the explosion and subsequent fire.
The blast left a significant impact on the community, highlighting the potential risks associated with construction near gas lines. As residents begin to assess damages and expect recovery support, many are reflecting on the unexpected power of the explosion that shook their neighborhood.