We think you're near Los Angeles

San Bruno, explosion, fire, PG&E possibly unable to cover damages

San Bruno fire, explosion, PG&E may not be able to afford the costs
San Bruno fire, explosion, PG&E may not be able to afford the costs
Photo credit: 
Getty Images

San Bruno, explosion, fire, PG&E possibly unable to cover damages

SAN BRUNO, Calif. -- PG&E, California's largest natural-gas provider has had accidents in its pipelines before the fire and explosion on Thursday night in San Bruno.

See here for stunning after-the-fire photos and what is left in San Bruno


From a total of 87 major accidents on California's gas pipelines in the previous 10 years, 43 had been related to pipelines owned by the Pacific Gas & Electric. However, the fire and explosion this week may not have been PG&E's fault.

Sometimes accidents like this one in San Bruno can be caused because the lines have been cut into by other workers doing construction.

"Someone's doing construction on a site, they may or may not have called PG&E, they're working with a backhoe, they snag the pipeline, and then all it takes is a little ignition source," stated one risk- management expert with regard to the San Bruno explosion.

In the meantime, PG&E says it carries $1 billion in insurance, but that that amount may not be sufficient to cover the damages caused by the San Bruno fire and explosion.

So far, four people have died including a mother and her teenage daughter. The father and older daughter of the family were attending a back-to-school night in San Francisco when the explosion happened.  The 13 year old was an 8th grade student at St. Cecilia's school in the Sunset District.

San Francisco residents can follow this local story on the San Bruno explosion at KTVU Channel 2 news.

Follow Sheila on Twitter

Feel free to comment on the story: San Bruno, explosion, fire, PG&E possibly unable to cover damages

See live video of the town hall meeting in San Bruno here:

People requiring more information can see the San Bruno's website at: www.sanbruno.ca.gov

The number for the emergency line is : 650 - 616 - 7180

See the video below for a tour of the area now after the San Bruno, Calif. fire and explosion

Related articles:

Horrific flames engulf San Bruno homes completely (video)

San Bruno, California, fire, explosion, update: looting arrest

San Bruno, California fire explosion, somebody stealing gas? (photos)

San Bruno fire, crater can be seen (photo, video)

San Bruno explosion: residents had smelled gas days before

Advertisement

, SF Top News Examiner

Sheila O'Connor is a freelance travel and golf writer who lives in San Francisco. When not traveling the globe and discovering all things new or ancient, Sheila is at home with her husband, 3 children and one cat.

Comments

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    Amazing, thanks for the info

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    so if they don't have the money, who pays?

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    well that will be interesting then to see who does get to pay up

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    I think there is going to be money involved in this right enough, I can't see how there won't be.

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    The whole school for that little girl who died said a memorial service for her this weekend.

  • Anonymous 1 year ago

    It could have bee the whole family if the father and older sister had not been absent at an SI parent's meeting here in San Francisco, terrible tragedy.

Add a new comment

Join the conversation! Log in here or create a new account if you've never registered before.

Got something to say?

Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!

Don't miss...