The number of victims injured by a recent natural gas line tragedy that wreaked havoc on a San Bruno neighborhood is growing, according to a San Francisco Chronicle news article. The pipeline ruptured on September 9, 2010 at around 6:30 in the evening. The company responsible for the pipeline, Pacific Gas and Electric Co., has not yet determined what exactly caused the pipe to explode, which resulted in a total of 38 homes being destroyed, as many as seven more homes being significantly damaged, and many others sustaining varying degrees of damage. More significant, however, are the four lives that have been confirmed lost as a result of the San Bruno gas explosion accident.
While no one is reported to be missing at this time, rescue crews and emergency response teams have only searched about 75% of the homes affected by the explosion. At this point in the rescue effort, a total of 52 people have been injured as a result of the pipeline explosion. Reportedly, many victims suffered smoke inhalation and burn injuries, with at least three people sustaining third-degree burns. Many individuals injured were taken to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco for treatment, and their conditions are unknown at this time.
Only time will tell whether or not this tragic pipeline explosion could have been prevented. Companies in charge of public utilities have an obligation to take all necessary safety precautions against accidents, such as the San Bruno explosion, from taking place. In the event that a company is determined to have neglected its responsibility to ensure safety, that company may be held liable for its actions if it is deemed negligent, and may be held accountable for its role in causing injuries to victims associated with the accident.
As rescue efforts continue and clues as to the exact cause of the explosion incident are uncovered, the San Jose personal injury attorneys at Van Der Walde & Associates will stay on top of all new developments. For more information about victims’ rights, please contact us today at 877-862-6288. Our condolences go out to the families and all others affected by this horrendous tragedy.
