6 Shocking Facts About the Hayward Gas Explosion That Injured Multiple People, captured in dramatic doorbell camera footage. A quiet Thursday morning in Hayward, California erupted into chaos when a powerful gas explosion destroyed a home, injured at least six people, and set off a massive fire captured in dramatic doorbell camera footage.
The blast, which shook nearby houses and blew out windows, occurred just minutes after the utility company stopped the flow of gas to a damaged underground pipeline. Authorities from PG&E, Cal/OSHA, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and local fire agencies have opened parallel investigations into the explosion—one of the most alarming gas-related incidents the Bay Area has witnessed in years.
This comprehensive report examines how the Hayward gas explosion unfolded, why a gas leak was not contained earlier, the dramatic moments seen on video, and what investigators are now probing.
6 Shocking Facts About the Hayward Gas Explosion That Injured Multiple People
The Timeline: A Morning That Went Horribly Wrong
Initial gas leak reported
The Alameda County Fire Department responded at 7:50 a.m. to the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard after receiving reports of a natural gas leak. The neighborhood—an area of mixed homes and businesses located near Highway 238—was undergoing active construction work for sidewalk and bike lane expansion.
PG&E crews arrived shortly afterward and informed firefighters at 7:55 a.m. that they had the situation under control. Fire officials said they did not detect any gas smell or visible hazard at the scene when they initially responded.
A damaged underground gas line
PG&E confirmed that a third-party construction crew, not affiliated with the utility company, struck an underground gas line at 7:35 a.m. The damage caused a gas leak that crews had to isolate and diagnose.
According to PG&E, the shutdown required locating and manually accessing multiple valves.
Gas finally shut off — but too late
PG&E stated that the flow of gas was stopped at 9:25 a.m. But tragically, the explosion happened just 10 minutes later, at approximately 9:35–9:38 a.m.
The short window between gas shutoff and detonation has become a critical point of inquiry for investigators.
Dramatic Doorbell Camera Footage Captures the Explosion
A doorbell camera belonging to local resident Brittany Maldonado recorded the exact moment the house across the street exploded.
The footage shows:
- A large excavator digging in the front yard near the struck gas line
- A construction worker standing nearby
- A sudden massive blast, sending fiery debris into the air
- The home’s walls and roof blowing outward instantly
- Workers and neighbors momentarily stunned and then rushing to help
- Thick black smoke rising from the demolished structure
Maldonado described the terrifying moment:
“Everything shook. Stuff fell off the walls. When we looked at the camera, it was like you were watching a war video.”
The video has since become central evidence in the investigation.
Six People Injured: Workers Among the Victims
Fire officials confirmed that six people were transported to Eden Medical Center. Early reports indicate:
- Two of the injured were construction workers
- Three victims remained in serious condition
- Others were treated for burns, blast injuries, and trauma
Authorities have not yet clarified whether any victims were inside the exploded home. The incident triggered a three-alarm fire, and more than 75 firefighters from the Alameda County Fire Department responded to contain the blaze.
Multiple Structures Damaged
The explosion caused significant destruction across the block:
- One home was completely obliterated
- A second home sustained extensive fire and structural damage
- A workshop behind one of the homes was also damaged
- Another residence experienced side-wall impact and blown-out windows
- Vehicles and nearby construction equipment were showered with debris
From the moment the blast occurred, the scene resembled a disaster zone, with the street filled with rubble, flames, and stunned neighbors.
Why Were Residents Not Evacuated? Authorities Offer Conflicting Statements
One of the most pressing questions—and a major focus of the investigation—is why residents were not evacuated immediately once the gas leak was reported.
PG&E’s position
PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian stated that evacuation responsibilities typically lie with first responders, not the utility company.
Fire officials push back
Alameda County Fire Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto disputed that characterization:
“When our crews showed up two hours prior, we did not smell gas, detect gas, or see any reason for an emergency. PG&E said they could handle the situation, so our crews released at that point.”
Industry expert weighs in
Richard Meier, a fire and explosion investigator, said utilities have a duty to ensure the area is secured:
“It is the responsibility of the gas company to evacuate people in the event of a known leak. They can’t just push that off to the fire department.”
These contradictory views have raised serious safety concerns and increased scrutiny on the handling of the early leak stages.
Why Did Gas Shutoff Take So Long? Experts Question PG&E’s Systems
PG&E has faced multiple high-profile gas incidents over the years, and experts say the length of time to isolate the damaged gas line in Hayward warrants deeper examination.
PG&E insists the delay was procedural:
- Multiple valves needed to be located
- Some valves were manually operated
- Lines had to be isolated sequentially
But investigators like Meier argue that utilities should have more modern, remote-operated shutoff valves:
“They could do a better job identifying valve locations and making them more accessible.”
This issue is now under review by Cal/OSHA, NTSB, and internal PG&E teams.
Investigations Underway: What Happens Next?
Multiple agencies have opened formal investigations, including:
1. PG&E Internal Investigation
To determine:
- Whether response times were adequate
- Whether the pipeline system met safety standards
- Why shutdown took nearly two hours
2. Cal/OSHA Investigation
Focusing on:
- Whether construction crews followed safety protocols
- Whether excavation was properly permitted and supervised
3. NTSB Investigation
NTSB often investigates significant gas infrastructure failures that lead to injury or destruction.
4. Alameda County Fire & Local Police
Examining:
- Witness accounts
- Doorbell footage
- Timeline discrepancies
- Possible negligence by contractors or utility staff
A Community Shaken: Aftermath in Hayward
Hayward, a city of 160,000 residents, has faced major disruption following the explosion:
- Dozens of residents were temporarily displaced
- Affected homes remain unsafe for re-entry
- Utility crews have expanded gas monitoring zones
- City officials have promised a full assessment of gas safety protocols
The blast has also reignited long-standing questions about the Bay Area’s aging gas infrastructure and PG&E’s oversight.
What We Know So Far — Key Facts
- A construction crew struck a gas line at 7:35 a.m.
- PG&E shut down gas flow only at 9:25 a.m.
- The explosion occurred within 10 minutes
- Six people were injured and hospitalized
- One home was destroyed, several were damaged
- Doorbell video captured the exact moment of the explosion
- Both PG&E and fire officials disagree on evacuation responsibility
Conclusion
The Hayward gas explosion was a catastrophic event that has raised urgent questions about utility safety practices, gas line shutdown procedures, communication lapses, and evacuation responsibilities. With multiple agencies now leading comprehensive investigations, the community is demanding answers and accountability.
As the recovery and review processes unfold, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by underground gas infrastructure—and the consequences when response systems fail to act quickly enough.
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Also Read: Six Injured After Underground Gas Explosion, Fire in Hayward
