Dramatic explosion caught on video destroys homes, injures six, officials say

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A natural gas line leak triggered a dramatic explosion that destroyed a Bay Area home on Thursday, injuring six people and damaging several other properties.At least one person was inside the home before it was leveled in the blast.The individual managed to escape without injury, but six others were hurt, including three who suffered serious injuries, Alameda County Fire Department spokesperson Cheryl Hurd said.“It was a chaotic scene,” Hurd said.

“There was fire and debris and smoke everywhere, power lines down, people self-evacuated from the home.… Someone was on the sidewalk with severe burns.”The leak started after a third-party construction crew working Thursday morning in the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard in Hayward struck a Pacific Gas and Electric underground natural gas line, according to a statement from the utility.

California Officials have determined a gas leak caused a home explosion in Chino Hills over the weekend that injured eight people, forced temporary evacuations and damaged nearby homes.Fire crews were first dispatched to the scene at 7:46 a.m.after PG&E reported a suspected natural gas leak, Hurd said.

PG&E officials were already on scene when fire engines arrived, and reportedly told firefighters their assistance was not needed, Hurd said.Utility workers attempted to isolate the damaged line, but gas was leaking from multiple locations.

Workers shut off the flow of gas at about 9:25 a.m., PG&E said in a statement.Fire crews were called back to the same address less than two hours later, where at least 75 firefighters encountered heavy flames and a thick column of smoke.Surrounding homes sustained damage from the blast and falling debris.

Three buildings were damaged on two separate properties, according to fire officials.Six people were taken to Eden Medical Center, including three with severe injuries requiring immediate...