One dead, dozens hurt in blast near San Francisco

Local utility officials said they belive the source of the blast was a large natural gas pipe that ran underground through San Bruno. Houses in several blocks near San Francisco International Airport were reduced to ruins. Authorities had to conduct emergency evacuations.

The San Mateo County coroner’s office confirmed one death related to the explosion.

More than 30 people were treated at a local hospital in San Bruno, while others were rushed to burn units at other medical facilities.

Flames hot enough to crack a fire engine windshield incinerated 53 homes and damaged 120 as firefighters continued battling the blaze into the night. 

“This is really a tragedy,” hospital spokesman Karl Sonkin said. “We are caring for people as best we can.”

Fire was still raging out of control nearly four hours after the initial explosion. Parts of the affected neighborhoods were described as a war zone with several homes up in flames and debris littering the streets.

Flames had spread to more than 20 homes and people were being evacuated from areas downwind of the inferno, while helicopters and airplanes were seen dumping water and fire retardant chemicals in an effort to stanch the flames.