A devastating blast fueled by natural gas ripped through a Hayward community early Thursday, completely demolishing one residence, igniting a major fire, and hospitalizing six individuals. Authorities have described the incident as among the worst home explosions the region has seen in decades.
The blast detonated shortly past 9:30 a.m. along the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard, mere moments after utility workers had sectioned off a leaking gas line that had been unintentionally struck hours before. The explosion sent a towering fireball skyward, rattling windows and foundations across the community and scattering wreckage over nearby streets.
Firefighters Rush to Contain Expanding Blaze
More than 75 firefighters from the Alameda County Fire Department rushed to the three-alarm blaze, working to contain intense flames that had consumed two residences and a detached workshop. A third home nearby suffered significant exterior damage from the intense heat radiating across the neighborhood.
Officials confirmed that six individuals were transported to Eden Medical Center, including two employees who were near the construction area when the blast occurred. Hospital staff reported that three of those patients remain in serious condition.
Brittany Maldonado, a local resident whose home security system recorded the blast, recounted the confusion within her house: “It was as if the entire structure was lifted off its foundation. Objects were thrown from counters. At that moment, we had no idea of the cause-only the immense scale of it.”
Gas Line Hit Earlier in the Morning
According to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), the utility was notified around 7:35 a.m. that a contracted work crew had accidentally punctured a buried gas main. PG&E crews worked to isolate the compromised segment and confirmed the gas flow was halted at 9:25 a.m. The detonation followed approximately ten minutes after that.
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Evacuation Protocol Under Scrutiny
The sequence of events has led to scrutiny over whether an evacuation should have been ordered earlier. Alameda County Fire Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto explained that emergency crews, upon arrival, observed no evidence of a visible leak and, after coordinating with PG&E officials, concluded the location did not pose an imminent threat.
However, fire and blast investigator Richard Meier contested that conclusion, stating that any confirmed damage to a gas line should necessitate an immediate evacuation until repairs are fully verified.
“The obligation for community safety in such a scenario rests entirely with the utility provider,” Meier stated.
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
State and federal authorities have launched concurrent inquiries into the blast’s origin and the emergency response. Investigators from PG&E, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) are now collecting evidence, examining recordings, and speaking with individuals present during the event.
Officials confirm that every resident in the blast zone has been located, and numerous displaced individuals have been moved to temporary housing while building inspectors assess the safety of surrounding structures.
Community Left Shaken
Neighbors recounted the explosion as a jarring and frightening event. Numerous residents were beginning their morning routines when the violent shockwave rattled the area.
“The sound was like a bomb detonating,” remarked a long-term resident. “You never anticipate this kind of devastation in a peaceful community.”
City officials stated that restoration work will proceed over the following days as inquiry teams work to piece together the precise sequence of events that caused the detonation.
