The San Mateo County Coroner has reported at least four people are dead and 52 people were hospitalized as a result of a gas line explosion in San Mateo County. Seven people were reportedly listed in critical condition Thursday night. San Bruno Fire Captain Charlie Barringer told news outlets the death toll is expected to rise as firefighters inspect the homes destroyed by the blaze, resulting from a gas line explosion.
What Happened?
According to CBS 5 News, at about 6:14 p.m. on Thursday, September 9th, a 24 inch gas main exploded in the residential community of San Bruno, just a few miles from the San Francisco International Airport. The incident occurred in a neighborhood near Skyline Boulevard and San Bruno Avenue, close to Interstate 280.
About 200 firefighters across the Bay Area responded to the six-alarm fire that damaged as many as 120 homes, and completely destroyed more than 50. The scene was described as "apocalyptic" and some thought a plane had crashed in the area, or a massive earthquake rattled the bay area.
Natural Gas Explosions and Personal Injury Liability
Mercury News reported that some residents in the San Bruno area reported a strong smell of gas last week. Pacific Gas & Electric responded at the time, although it was not clear what was done. In regards to the September 10th explosion, PG&E said in a statement, "If it is ultimately determined that we were responsible for the cause of the incident, we will take accountability."
Compensation for Injured Victims
The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating the cause of the explosion. While this explosion remains under investigation, family members of anyone who has suffered serious injury or wrongful death would be well-advised to contact a California personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Natural gas explosions have very complex legal issues. Although they are rare events, the results can be absolutely catastrophic, as we have seen in this most recent event in San Bruno. Many people suffered catastrophic burn injuries as a result of the fire caused by the explosion. If you or a family member was involved in this explosion, contact an experienced natural gas explosion personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Estey Bomberger is providing free telephone consultations to families of victims injured in this explosion. To learn more about your legal rights to compensation for your injuries, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and damage to your home, call us at (800) 724-3817 or fill out our consultation request form.
Emergency Aid for San Bruno Explosion Victims
Victims of the explosion are encouraged to contact the Red Cross to confirm with their Safe and Well program to let concerned family and friends know they are alright. For information on how to donate to the Red Cross, visit www.redcrossbayarea.org or call (888) 4-HELP-BAY. The Red Cross has set up an emergency shelter at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center to provide food and shelter for displaced victims.
Sources: CBS 5, USA Today, LA Times, Mercury News
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