PG&E detected gas before massive Hayward building explosion that injured 6 people: NTSB report

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- New details about the massive gas explosion that injured six people and set off a major fire in a Hayward neighborhood were released on Thursday as part of a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB report states that PG&E "detected gas at the ground level near the accident home" after the original leak was supposedly capped, but despite that, crews began digging operations and less than an hour later the explosion occurred.

ORIGINAL STORY: Shocking video shows massive Hayward building explosion after gas line rupture; 6 injured

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

"Nobody had enough time to respond to anything because we didn't know anything. We were just left in the dark," said Cathy Rodriguez, Hayward Resident.

The report gives a chronological breakdown of the event starting hours before the explosion.

"About 7:25 a.m., PG&E was notified that Mayo Asphalt Milling had damaged the service line..."

By 8:18 a.m., the report states that a PG&E maintenance crew had cut off gas to the damaged line, but "shortly after this, the PG&E crew detected gas at the ground level near the accident home."

The report then states that PG&E knocked on the doors of the accident home and the houses on either side, but no one responded.

"They didn't knock on doors because the neighbors were saying in the report that they went to the right and the left no doors were knocked on and we went to a board of supervisors' meetings, and they mentioned that. Nobody knocked," said Rodriguez.

PG&E then started digging up the main gas line and about an hour later the explosion occurred.

Below is a minute-by-minute timeline of the December 11, 2025 incident as stated in the NTSB report:

• 7:25 a.m.PG&E notified by Mayo Asphalt Milling that a service line was damaged while they were doing roadwork on East Lewelling Boulevard


• 7:48 a.m.PG&E arrived on scene and found the leak at 868 East Lewelling Boulevard


• 7:51 a.m.Alameda County Fire Department arrives on scene but left shortly after when PG&E responder told them their assistance was not needed


• 8:18 a.m.PG&E crew squeezed off the service line where the damage had been done by the construction crew. Shortly after this, they detected gas at the ground level of the explosion site. PG&E crews said they knocked on the doors of the homes at the explosion site but no one answered.


• 8:40 a.m.PG&E crew began digging


• 9:29 a.m.PG&E crew squeezed off the gas main and stopped flow of gas in the main and service lines at the explosion site


• 9:37 a.m.The explosion occurs, demolishing one home and severely damaging several others. Alameda County Fire returns to the scene

Last month ABC7 News interviewed one of the residents who lived in the home that exploded. His sister, brother and niece suffered serious burns and injuries.

"My brother was exactly where the gas line is. Above it and he just said, 'I don't know the earth split and the sun came out," said Jorge Duenas Ponce, Hayward resident.

In a statement on this report PG&E said in part:

"We remain committed to working together with the CPUC, NTSB and other state and federal entities..."

EXCLUSIVE: Brother shares how siblings escaped Hayward gas line explosion

ABC7 News spoke exclusively with the brother who is now caring for his siblings and niece who were inside the Hayward house when it exploded.

At least five residents are now filing a lawsuit against the county and responsible parties.

"Having an official report makes it clear who is responsible and how it happened. So yes, having those reports makes the case stronger," said WookSun Hong, attorney representing some of the residents.

The report also confirms that during the gas leak the Alameda County Fire Department arrived on the scene but left after a PG&E crew member informed them that they did not need assistance.

PG&E's full statement:

"The safety of the public, our customers and our coworkers is our highest responsibility. Our thoughts are with the residents and our PG&E coworkers who were injured during this incident.

We want to thank the first responders from the Alameda County Fire Department who worked to make the area safe and minimize damage to property. We remain committed to working together with the CPUC, NTSB and other state and federal entities on the safe and reliable delivery of energy to our customers we are privileged to serve.

The NTSB's investigation is ongoing."