Gas Explosion in Hayward Injures Six, Damages Buildings

A gas explosion rocked a residential neighborhood in Hayward, California, on Thursday morning, injuring six people and igniting a three-alarm fire that damaged multiple buildings. The blast occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the 800 block of East Lewelling Boulevard, a busy area near Highway 238 blending homes and commercial spaces.

The incident stemmed from a construction crew striking an underground gas line about two hours earlier, at approximately 7:35 a.m. Officials with Pacific Gas and Electric Co. confirmed the crew was not affiliated with the utility and was working on a project to expand bike lanes and sidewalks along the boulevard. Utility teams responded quickly, isolating the damaged line and halting the gas flow by 9:25 a.m. Despite these efforts, the explosion erupted just minutes later, sending debris flying and thick smoke billowing across the East Bay city.

Firefighters from the Alameda County Fire Department arrived at 9:38 a.m., deploying eight engines and two trucks to battle the flames. The fire extensively damaged three structures, including one home that was completely destroyed, while a fourth building sustained burns ranging from minor to major. Windows...