‘Bloody’ Victims Walk Out of Home After Gas Explosion (Video)

A quiet Thursday morning in Hayward, California, turned into a nightmare when a massive explosion tore through a neighborhood after a gas line ruptured — leaving six people injured and an entire block shaken to its core.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and disbelief as two bloodied women stumbled out of a burning home in their pajamas, dazed and covered in debris.

“They looked completely out of it,” said local resident Oscar Vazquez, who lives just down the street. “The younger girl had blood all over her face. Her arm looked like it was hanging wrong — maybe dislocated. You could tell their eardrums were probably blown out. People were shouting at them, but they didn’t seem to hear.”

The blast was so powerful it blew out windows, ignited a roaring fire, and could be felt blocks away. Flames engulfed nearby homes and cars as residents poured into the street, unsure if another explosion was coming.

“It sounded like a bomb went off,” said another neighbor, who asked not to be named. “The whole house shook. I thought it was an earthquake.”

Six people were rushed to local hospitals, three in serious condition. Alameda County Fire Department Deputy Chief Ryan Nishimoto confirmed that “three were immediately transferred due to severe injuries, and three others suffered minor wounds.”

Eden Hospital later reported that one critically injured victim remains in their care, while two others were transferred to trauma centers in the Bay Area.

As emergency crews battled the blaze, sheriff’s deputies worked quickly to clear the area.

“When our units arrived, they saw a hazardous scene — fire, gas, and structural debris everywhere,” said Roberto Morales of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. “Their first move was getting everyone to safety and organizing rides for the injured.”

Urban search-and-rescue teams, including units from Berkeley Fire Department, scoured the wreckage for possible victims.

“Our equipment didn’t pick up any signs of life initially,” explained firefighter Rudy Valencia. “It’s gut-wrenching, because you just hope someone’s still alive under there.”

Hours later, officials confirmed that all previously unaccounted-for residents had been located.

Authorities believe the explosion was triggered by a ruptured gas line, though the cause of the rupture remains under investigation. Pacific Gas and Electric crews were on scene late into the night assessing damage and ensuring no further leaks posed a threat.

By early evening, firefighters had contained the flames, but charred wreckage and shattered glass still lined the block. The smell of gas lingered in the air as investigators combed through the smoldering debris.

The blast has left neighbors rattled and grieving the sudden destruction of their once-peaceful street.

“I’ve lived here for 20 years,” said resident Maria Torres. “Never seen anything like this. One second you’re having coffee, the next your windows are gone, and your neighbors are bleeding in the street.”

Officials are urging residents in the area to check gas lines, report any leaks, and stay alert as cleanup efforts continue.

“This was a close call,” Nishimoto said. “It could have been so much worse.”

The Alameda County Fire Department and PG&E are expected to release further details as the investigation unfolds.

Source: ABC7 News (KGO), local eyewitness interviews, Alameda County Fire and Sheriff’s Office statements.