A powerful gas explosion in the San Francisco Bay Area rocked a residential neighbourhood in Hayward, California, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, destroying at least one home, damaging nearby buildings, and sending six people to hospitals with injuries.
- Gas Explosion in San Francisco: Key Highlights
- Dramatic Explosion Caught on Doorbell Camera
- Homes Damaged, Residents Rushed to Hospitals
- Construction Work Linked to Gas Line Damage
- Heavy Machinery Seen Moments Before Blast
- Emergency Response and Fire Containment
- Hayward Residents Left Shaken
- Safety Concerns Mount After Hayward Gas Explosion
The blast triggered a massive fire and caused panic among residents, shaking homes and blowing out windows across the area.
Gas Explosion in San Francisco: Key Highlights
- Doorbell Camera Captures Shocking Gas Explosion Turning Quiet Street into Fireball.
- Gas Explosion Leaves 6 Injured, Multiple Homes Severely Damaged.
- PG&E Confirms Construction Accident Behind Hayward Gas Explosion.
- Excavator at Work Seconds Before Gas Explosion Destroys Hayward Home.
- Swift Emergency Response Contained Hayward Gas Fire, Area Secured.
- Fear and Uncertainty Grip Hayward After Devastating Gas Blast.
- Hayward Gas Explosion Raises Fresh Questions Over Construction Safety.
Dramatic Explosion Caught on Doorbell Camera
The moment of the explosion was captured on a doorbell security camera, showing a quiet residential street suddenly erupting into flames and flying debris. The video quickly went viral, revealing wood, roofing material, and smoke shooting into the air within seconds.
A resident living across the street described the terrifying moment, saying the explosion felt like a powerful earthquake, with walls shaking and household items crashing to the floor.
Homes Damaged, Residents Rushed to Hospitals
Fire officials confirmed that six people were injured in the explosion and were transported to nearby hospitals. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the injured individuals were construction workers or residents, nor have they released details about the severity of their injuries.
At least two houses suffered major structural damage, while another nearby building was also affected. Emergency teams evacuated residents as a precaution while firefighters battled flames at the blast site.
Construction Work Linked to Gas Line Damage
The explosion occurred in a neighbourhood where road construction work was underway to expand sidewalks and develop bike lanes. According to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), a construction crew accidentally struck an underground gas pipeline around 7:35 a.m.
PG&E clarified that the workers involved were not utility employees. Gas supply to the damaged line was shut off by 9:25 a.m., but the explosion occurred shortly afterward, likely due to trapped gas igniting.
Heavy Machinery Seen Moments Before Blast
Footage from the doorbell camera showed a large excavator digging directly in front of the home that was later destroyed. Seconds later, a massive explosion tore through the structure, blowing off the roof and walls.
Workers and bystanders appeared stunned before rushing toward the wreckage to assist possible victims. Large debris pieces were seen scattered across the street, narrowly missing construction equipment.
Emergency Response and Fire Containment
Police and fire crews responded within minutes as sirens echoed through the neighbourhood. Firefighters worked to prevent flames from spreading to nearby homes while authorities secured the area and restricted access.
Hayward officials confirmed that the situation was brought under control, though the affected area remains under investigation.
Hayward Residents Left Shaken
Hayward, home to nearly 160,000 residents, is located in California’s East Bay region, approximately 24 kilometres south of Oakland. Residents described the explosion as one of the most frightening incidents the neighbourhood has ever experienced.
Local authorities are now investigating whether safety protocols were followed during the excavation work and if additional precautions could have prevented the incident.
Safety Concerns Mount After Hayward Gas Explosion
The Hayward gas explosion has once again raised serious concerns about construction safety and underground utility protection in urban areas. As investigations continue, residents are calling for stricter oversight to prevent such life-threatening incidents in the future.
