A significant explosion shrouded Hayward in chaos Thursday morning, leading to hospitalizations and widespread damage. Emergency responders, including the Alameda County Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene at the 800 block of East Lewelling Blvd. to tackle a three-alarm fire triggered by a damaged gas line.
The explosion occurred around 9:30 a.m., shortly after a construction crew accidentally breached an underground gas line during sidewalk and bike lane widening efforts on Lewelling Blvd. Initial reports indicate that at least six individuals were transported to the hospital, including two workers who were reportedly in the vicinity of the street when the gas line ruptured. The conditions of those hospitalized remain unknown.
Witnesses captured the dramatic event on their home surveillance systems. Brittany Maldonado, who shared a video from her Ring camera, described the moment: “We were sitting in the house and it just… everything shook. Stuff fell off the walls, and when we looked at the camera, it was like you were watching a war video.”
As a result of the explosion, two homes in the area sustained significant damage, including a workshop located behind one of them. A neighboring house also experienced some structural damage on the side facing the blast. The neighborhood, a blend of residential and commercial properties, is adjacent to Highway 238, making the event even more alarming for nearby residents.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) was alerted to the gas leak shortly after the incident and worked promptly to halt further gas flow. The situation is ongoing, with emergency crews continuing to manage the fire and investigate the explosion’s cause.
Updates on this developing story will be provided as the situation evolves.
