(Sept. 10) — A massive explosion apparently sparked by a ruptured gas line tore through a San Francisco suburb last night, killing at least one person, seriously burning several others, and leveling more than 50 homes.
A huge fireball lit up the sky over San Bruno with a thunderous roar, and flames spread quickly across 10 acres of residential housing after dark. With electricity cut off, hundreds of evacuees fumbled their way to safety in the darkness, as firefighters arrived and worked through the night to try to save their homes.
Slideshow of photos HERE
This is the latest I have from local media reports. Note that San Bruno is 45 miles from me.
For many in the neighborhood, it was a genuine run for your life situation.
1 death reported, along with 15 injuries, with some being sent to burn wards. Many
residents spent the night in shelters. 200 Law enforcement officers & numerous fire
fighters worked throughout the night on the situation. Blood donations are being sought.56 homes were destroyed, and 120 others damaged. 700 customers are without power, and 300 customers were without gas. A water main near the gas pipeline was damaged, reducing water pressure available for fire fighting.
The fires are still burning in a few places. Winds helped to spread the fire last night, but winds have calmed down. Rescue & cadaver dogs will be sent in after hot spots are knocked down. Local officials are asking residents to check in to speed searching for victims.
KPIX TV says several residents had smelled gas in the area for the last few weeks. There is reported to be a crater when the 24 inch PG&E gas line ruptured.
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Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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The death toll is now reported between 3 to 6.
That good 'ole natural gas–it's so clean and safe!! Bet when it burned, it made a bunch of formaldehyde, and other crap!
Just one more "rare" natural gas event. I'm sure that will be comforting to those who lost love ones.
Cadaver dogs will one day replace the panther as the symbol of the City of Fort Worth. As I type, permits for gathering lines in high density neighborhoods are being permitted by Moncrief's minions.
When wiil learn to make safety a priority? We pay for police on the streets and highways, pay for all kinds of "security" in buildings and at public events-then let gas lines-which we can't see and nobody monitors-blow us up! We are living atop potential bombs that are very poorly understood and maintained. More natural gas lines laid in residential areas, when we can't maintain what we have, is a dangerous notion.
How far are you willing to go for safety?
Are you willing to sweat a little in the summer and shiver a little in the winter?
Are you willing to consume less? …buy less plastic shit? …cook your own food?
What is safety worth to you?
It's worth everything to me! Yes, I am willing to do whatever it takes. I want my grandchildren to have a planet that's worth living on.
Me too!