Doorbell Camera Captures Massive Home Explosion in Hayward, California After Gas Line Damage

Home Explosion in Hayward

• 💥 A doorbell camera captured the moment a home in Hayward, California, exploded on Thursday morning.
• 💨 The explosion sent thick smoke and debris into the air, destroying one home and damaging several neighboring properties.

Cause of the Explosion

• ⚠️ Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) was alerted that a third-party construction team had damaged an underground gas line.
• ⏳ PG&E crews spent approximately two hours attempting to isolate the damaged line and stop the gas flow before the explosion occurred.
• ⏰ The explosion happened at 9:35 a.m., about two hours after the initial damage to the gas line was reported.

Impact and Injuries

• 🏥 Six people were rushed to the hospital, with three sustaining serious injuries.
• 🏠 One resident described being in bed when she heard a loud sound and her roof fell in on her.
• 🏘️ Multiple buildings were destroyed or damaged, displacing families who are being assisted by the Red Cross.

Construction Project Details

• 🚧 Neighbors reported that PG&E had been working on a construction project on Llewelling Boulevard for about a year.
• 💰 The project, identified as the East Llewelling Boulevard project, was an $11 million bid for improvements including sidewalks, bike lanes, and storm water drainage.
• 🏗️ The third-party construction company involved was Redwick Construction Company out of Oakland.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🔍 The scene has been cleared, and everyone has been accounted for, though some residents are still awaiting news on their hospitalized friends and neighbors.
• ❓ The exact cause of the explosion and whether it could have been prevented is still under investigation.
• 💬 Redwick Construction Company has been reached out to for comment but has not yet responded.