6 Hospitalized After Terrifying Gas Explosion Shocks Quiet Neighborhood

Harrowing footage captured the terrifying moment a California home was obliterated in a massive gas explosion Thursday morning, leaving six people injured and a neighborhood reeling.

Videos shared on social media show a scene residents described as something out of a war zone. A thunderous blast shook the suburb of Hayward, sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky and debris flying across the street.

The explosion was caught on a Ring doorbell camera across from the house. Brittany Maldonado, one resident who captured the footage, told ABC7 News, “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.”

Authorities say the disaster occurred about two hours after a construction crew accidentally damaged an underground gas line. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. clarified that the crew responsible for the damage was not affiliated with the utility company.

Firefighters raced to the scene and worked to isolate the gas line, finally stopping the flow around 9:25 a.m. The explosion turned the street into a chaotic disaster zone. Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto described the response as a third alarm fire, highlighting the complexity and severity of the incident.

A total of 75 firefighters battled the blaze, which damaged three structures on two lots and another nearby building. Firefighters reported feeling electric shocks when entering some homes, while downed power lines added to the danger.

Of the six people injured, three sustained minor injuries, and three required immediate transport to local hospitals. Thankfully, no first responders were harmed, though unconfirmed reports suggest two people were initially unaccounted for.

PG&E spokesperson Tamar Sarkissian said crews spent two hours isolating the damaged gas line and securing the area.

The explosion serves as a stark reminder of how quickly accidents can turn catastrophic, leaving communities shaken and families in distress.