AT LEAST SIX people are confirmed dead following a massive explosion caused by an underground gas pipe in a San Francisco neighbourhood.
The death toll is expected to rise as more homes are searched, according to reports from the Los Angeles Times.
California’s acting governor Abel Maldonado has declared a state of emergency.
Hundreds of firefighters battled the flames in San Bruno, which were still blazing nine hours after the explosion. Over 100 residents were forced to evactuate the neighbourhood and over 170 homes were damaged or destroyed.
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. spokesman Jeff Smith told the San Francisco Chronicle that one of the utility’s natural gas transmission lines ruptured.
“If it is ultimately determined that we were responsible for the cause of this incident, we will take accountability,” Smith said. “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this terrible situation.”
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