Gas Line Explosion Destroys 50 Homes, Kills 4 in California

A giant, deadly explosion Thursday evening sent fire ripping through a neighborhood south of San Francisco, destroying 50 homes and killing at least 4 people. Firefighters were still pouring water on the remaining flames and smoldering wreckage early Friday morning in the suburban area of San Bruno.

According to utility officials, a gas line ruptured near the blast just after 6pm. The explosion sent a fireball more than 1,000 feet in the air. Terrified homeowners grab their things and ran for safety. It is not yet known what triggered the blast, and an investigation is on-going.

San Bruno Fire Chief Dennis Haag said that he did not know how many people were injured in the blast. Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which servers the area, said that they were to blame for the incident and would "take accountability."

After the initial blast, flames burst into the sky as high as 100 feet. Nearby homes and parked cars were destroyed, and at least 120 homes were severely damaged. The explosion also wiped out the entire local water system, forcing firefighters to pump in water from over two miles away. The fire spread over 10 acres, leaving 200 firefighters to remain on scene throughout the night.

Califoria Lt. Gov. Abel Maldonado, who is serving as governor while Arnold Schwarzenegger is out of the country, declared a state of emergency in San Mateo County.