Feds to investigate massive Hayward explosion that left 6 injured

"Four federal investigators are flying to the Bay Area to investigate how a gas leak led to a massive explosion, damaging multiple homes in Hayward. The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching a team to the area, it announced in a social media post on Thursday and confirmed to SFGATE. While the agency is generally associated with aviation, railroad and highway disasters, it also investigates incidents involving pipelines and hazardous materials."

"The explosion occurred Thursday shortly after 9 a.m. A construction crew, unrelated to PG&E, reportedly damaged a gas line around 7:30 that morning, according to PG&E spokesperson Jason King. PG&E said the gas was released in multiple locations, and the flow of gas was not stopped until 9:25 a.m. - about 10 minutes before the explosion. Doorbell camera footage, posted by the Alameda County Fire Department, showed the moment the explosion tore apart one house, sending debris flying and crew members running for cover."

"Six people were hospitalized after the blast, including three critically injured individuals. Those three are now in stable condition, according to a statement from Cheryl Hurd, the public affairs manager for the Alameda County Fire Department. While initially two people were listed as missing, no one is currently unaccounted for, according to Hurd. At least 75 firefighting personnel responded to the explosion at 800 block of Lewelling Boulevard in unincorporated Hayward between Ashland and Shetland."

A construction crew reportedly damaged a gas line around 7:30 a.m., releasing gas in multiple locations; the flow was not stopped until 9:25 a.m., about 10 minutes before a massive explosion shortly after 9 a.m. The explosion tore apart at least one house, damaged two homes and a workshop, and sent debris flying. Six people were hospitalized, including three initially critically injured who are now stable. Two people were initially listed as missing but no one remains unaccounted for. The National Transportation Safety Board is dispatching four investigators to examine the pipeline and hazardous materials aspects. At least 75 firefighting personnel responded.

Read at SFGATE