Neighbors still in disbelief as crews investigate debris from Hayward house explosion

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — Fire crews are still on the scene of a home explosion that happened near Hayward on Thursday, sifting through the rubble and debris.

Three people were seriously hurt in that explosion, while three others suffered minor injuries.

There are still questions to be answered, including why PG&E and emergency crews did not evacuate the area when they learned of a gas leak there.

PG&E crews brought in fencing on Friday to close off the home that exploded and the ones next to it.

It was the first time many, including ABC7 News, were able to get close to the site of the explosion.

At least six people were transported to the hospital Thursday morning after a massive explosion caused a large fire in Hayward, fire officials say.

Some neighbors were in disbelief at what they were seeing.

“It’s devastating. My heart goes out to the people that live here, and I hope that they can move on and that they’re not injured too badly,” said Katrina Ferreria.

New video shows the aftermath of what was once a house. Debris, like glass, could still be seen in the street. The houses on either side of the one that exploded were also devastated by the blast.

Cathy Rodriguez, who lives a few doors down, spent the entire day Thursday with her neighbors, offering support. She said it wasn’t until she went home that night that she started to process the reality of what happened to her neighbor’s home, just steps away.

“I just, like, broke down,” Rodriguez said.

Right now, though, she said her concern isn’t for herself, but for the rest of this community.

“I’m just thinking about my neighbors and the elderly that live in these two houses, because now they don’t have a house,” Rodriguez said.

PG&E, Cal/OSHA and NTSB are all part of the investigation. A Redgwick Construction representative told ABC7 News they are preparing a statement about their investigation into the incident.

Residents in the neighborhood said they were told by PG&E that gas can’t be turned on at their home until the investigation is finished.