Fatal Blast Tears Through California Neighborhood

Sept. 29, 2010
A destructive blaze tore through a neighborhood in San Bruno on Sept. 9 after a gas line ruptured, causing an explosion.

A destructive blaze tore through a neighborhood in San Bruno on Sept. 9 after a gas line ruptured, causing an explosion, according to the Associated Press.

The blast sent flames as high as 100 feet, leaving homes with just the chimneys standing and smoke rising from the ruins.

The death toll was listed at eight by Sept. 29 and at least 50 other people were injured.

"It was pretty devastating," Fire Chief Dennis Haag told the AP shortly following the incident. "It looks like a moonscape in some areas."

A steel gas pipe ruptured about three feet underground just before 6:30 p.m.

Crews had the blaze contained by the following morning.

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