In the early evening of September 11, 2010, a huge explosion rocked the city of San Bruno, California, a small suburb located just south of San Francisco. Leaving a crater 50 feet by 40 feet, the explosion led to fires that damaged 56 homes and caused the death of eight people. Sixty-six other people were injured, some suffering burns of varying degrees.
The explosion was notable for the fact that it occurred in a heavily populated area. The resulting inferno raged as high as 1,000 feet into the early evening sky and caused other smaller gas lines in the area to burst and set dozens of other fires.
Since PG&E was the owner of the pipeline, liability for the property damage, deaths and injuries may have to be borne by the utility company once the explosion's cause is fully determined. Investigators have reported that in the days leading up to the blast, residents had complained of gas odors and contacted PG&E, which was evidently slow to respond. They are also looking to examine remnants of the pipeline for corrosion, a common factor in other pipeline explosions. Officials noted that the pipeline had been installed about 54 years ago, although there is apparently no set timeline for how long pipelines can be in operation.
PG&E is said to have fire insurance of nearly $1 billion, as well as sufficient resources to cover the estimated $65 million in catastrophic property damage and other unevaluated claims, although it is unclear whether the utility company would or could use its insurance if there is a determination of negligence.
Similar explosions have resulted in pipeline companies paying out millions to victims and modifying their pipeline systems. There have also been criminal convictions in some of the explosions.
While it will take months before rebuilding of destroyed homes will begin, the longer road to recovery will be for the burn victims. Injuries often include damage to the heart, spleen and liver. Smoke inhalation can damage lungs and victims are especially prone to infection. In severe burn injury cases, painful skin grafts may need to repeated every few days for a period of weeks, leaving permanent scarring and disfigurement.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a fire similar to the San Bruno explosion it is important to speak with an attorney experienced in handling burn cases. Many burn victims are forced to endure dozens of operations and live in pain and uncertainty for years. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need to cover your ongoing medical bills and see that you and your family are provided for in the time to come.
