A local fire chief said that the explosion of a gas pipe, probably caused the explosion that sent flames fighting in the streets, the burning of possibly more than a dozen houses shortly after 18:00 local time.
"We believe it is a line of high pressure gas is burned," said Fire Chief Dennis Haag San Bruno KPIX-TV.
Pacific Gas and Electric, the electric company serving the San Francisco Bay, had teams in the area investigating the possibility of a natural gas explosion, but had no additional information, said spokesman JD Guidi.
After the initial explosion, the flames reached as high as 60 feet in the air as the fire itself fueled the houses on fire. Airplanes and helicopters flew over dumping water district in an effort to smother the flames.
Witnesses said the fire was preceded by a loud explosion and huge fireball. Described and residents fleeing for safety and belongings hastily from their homes in flames.
Connie Bushman returned home to find his block was on fire. She said she ran home in search of his father 80 years old, but was not found. A firefighter told her that she was gone, but had not been able to keep track.
"I do not know where my father, I do not know where my husband, I do not know where to go," said Bushman.
The victims suffered severe burns began to arrive in San Francisco Bay area hospitals shortly after the explosion. An estimate of the number of wounded was not immediately available. Hospitals reported receiving at least four victims in critical condition but expected more.
Jane Porcelli, 62, said she lives on a hill above where the fire is centered. She said she thought she heard a plane overhead fighting engine. "And then I heard this bang. And everything that moved, except the floor, so I knew that it was an earthquake," said Mrs. Porcelli. "I feel helpless that I can not do anything. I have only to sit and watch."
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