San Bruno fire, explosion, no evidence of gas leak complaints
San Bruno, Calif. -- In light of the San Bruno gas leak and explosion, federal investigators are seeking help from the public to learn whether there were gas leaks prior to the massive fire and explosion which destroyed homes and left four people dead and four people missing.
Video: Horrific flames engulf San Bruno homes completely (video)
Christopher Hart of the National Transportation Safety Board reports that investigators have not yet seen any documentation of gas leak complaints before Thursday's explosion in the San Bruno area.
Several residents complained of having smelled gas prior to the fire and explosion in San Bruno but no records have been found of any such complaints.
Officials are asking anyone who made a complaint to the PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric) to let officials know, reports newser.com
Hart would also like to ask residents who noticed dead vegetation around the rupture area in the San Bruno fire and explosion, which can indicate a leak, to come forward.
"We're pursuing those rumors, and we've obtained records -- not only from PG&E but from other places where people might call. And so far, we have not been able to verify that anybody smelled gas and called it in," Hart said.
Meantime, residents have been told they can get up to $50,000 to help with expenses, no strings attached. A fund in the amount of $100 million has been set aside to help the residents of San Bruno in need. Funds given to residents of San Bruno harmed in the fire and explosion do not affect their claims on their insurance.
The funds will be given to homeowners in $15 thousand, $25 thousand, and $50 thousand increments, depending on how much their home was damaged.
"No strings attached. It's theirs to use in any way, shape or form that they want. We will not be asking them and will not ask them to sign any releases when they accept that," said PG&E president Chris Johns.
See:Devastating pictures of the aftermath of the fire and explosion in San Bruno
PG&E had said earlier they may not be able to afford the cost of all the insurance claims that will result from the San Bruno fire and explosion.
San Francisco residents can follow this local news story on the update on the San Bruno fire and explosion on KTVU Channel 2 news. The news comes on at 5pm, 6pm and 10pm.
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See brand new video that has emerged of the San Bruno fire and explosion here.
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Comments
Very curious
Yes so I wonder what the complains were then? So many people apparently had smelled something
Well maybe somebody at the PG&E did not keep good records or just got rid of them?
The whole thing is just dreadful, I feel so sad for those who lost.
It has to be ironic that Jacqueline Greig who so tragically passed away worked for the gas company. My heart breaks for that family who lost the mom and the daughter. RIP
Say what???? No evidence of gas leak complaints????
Yeah what is going on here???
Do you think they are trying to hide something here?
What is wrong with this picture then?
This story just seems to get curiouser and curiouser doesn't it.....
Now i hear t hey cannot give us the layout of the gas lines for security purposes. I guess there is a fine line between people's need to know and the security of the area.
I think it's a good idea that PG&E are giving those people money with 'no questions asked', this is a difficult time and the easiest thing they can do is give them some money right now.
Lebelia, don't you think those who are ultimately paying for that money given to home-owners is going to be us, the consumers? I think it means they will just put our gas prices up.
Well for sure the money's gotta come from somewhere. I agree, it will probably just mean our gas bills will be higher. But then if I were one of those people whose homes were wrecked, I'd be looking for some kind of compensation as well. It's the least I would expect.
Funny how money can fix very many things. Alas it cannot bring back life.
I'm watching the news now for the latest on this San Bruno incident...
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