Three hospitalized in explosion near Hayward listed in stable condition

"The explosion happened about 9:38 a.m. in the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard as workers from PG&E were in the process of repairing the gas line. An independent construction crew not affiliated with the utility or a utility project accidentally cut the line about 7:30 a.m. All six people were taken by ambulance to a hospital. The three who were most critically hurt had injuries that included burns to an unknown degree, respiratory issues and bone fractures,"

"One question that has not been answered fully is why nearby residents were not evacuated during the two-hour interim between when the leak first was reported to PG&E and the explosion. Alameda County Fire Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Nishimoto said evacuation orders are a collaborative decision made between PG&E and public safety agencies. Sarkissian, the PG&E spokesperson, added that further investigation would be required to determine why an evacuation order was not called earlier."

A gas line exploded around 9:38 a.m. in the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard while PG&E crews were repairing the line after an unrelated construction crew accidentally cut it earlier. Six people were taken to hospitals; three suffered more serious injuries including burns, respiratory problems and fractures and remained in stable condition. Three others had minor injuries. Two people briefly reported missing were later found. Investigators from PG&E and public safety agencies are examining the cause and why an evacuation order was not issued during the two-hour interval between the reported leak and the explosion.

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