Local News
Operator Injured as Excavator Struck by Collapsing Roof Following Gas Line Explosion in Hayward
HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA — A major explosion Thursday morning leveled multiple homes, injured several people, and forced the shutdown of a major freeway after a construction crew struck an underground gas line, according to fire officials, witnesses, and PG&E.
The incident occurred in the 800 block of Lewelling Boulevard, where a third-party construction crew was working on a public improvement project.
PG&E spokesperson Jason King confirmed that the crew accidentally damaged a buried gas line at approximately 7:35 a.m. while excavating in the area.
King provided a timeline of events, noting that PG&E crews were able to stop the gas flow at 9:35 a.m., but just three minutes later—at 9:38 a.m.—a violent explosion erupted, triggering a fast-moving fire that swept through nearby structures.
A slow-motion video circulating online appears to show the moment the blast sent debris flying and violently shook an excavator, with the operator struck by falling roof material.
The explosion destroyed at least two homes and a workshop or outbuilding, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Alameda County Fire officials said six people were transported to area hospitals, and additional residents were evaluated at the scene.
As of 1:30 p.m., Fire Captain Ryan Nishimoto reported that two residents remain unaccounted for; however, their vehicles were not found at home, leading authorities to believe they may have been at work or school during the incident.
During firefighting operations, crews reported feeling “electric shocks” near the burning structures, forcing firefighters to temporarily withdraw until the area was deemed safer.
In total, 75 Alameda County firefighters responded to the third-alarm fire.
The blast prompted the California Highway Patrol to close portions of Interstate 238 between East 14th Street and Lewelling Boulevard, as well as segments between Mission and Paradise boulevards, to protect the public and allow emergency crews access to the scene.
Alameda County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Roberto Morales stated that deputies arrived within two minutes of the first emergency call, immediately evacuating residents from hazardous areas and assisting firefighters.
The construction work taking place is part of the East Lewelling Boulevard improvement project, which aims to widen sidewalks, install new bike lanes, add high-visibility crosswalks, and improve safety at railroad crossings.
Investigators are now working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the gas line strike and subsequent explosion.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the condition of the injured victims.
Local News
Victims Identified After Military Aircraft Carrying Burn Patient Crashes in Galveston Bay
Mexican authorities have released the identities of those killed after a Mexican Navy medical aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay while transporting a critically injured burn patient on a humanitarian mission.
The Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico (SEMAR) confirmed that the King Air ANX-1209 aircraft, operated by the Mexican Navy, went down Monday while en route from Mexico to Galveston, Texas.
The flight was part of a medical evacuation under Plan Marina, conducted in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation, which specializes in transporting children with severe burns for advanced treatment.
Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
A large law enforcement and first-responder presence was observed near the base of the Interstate 45 Causeway as rescue and recovery operations unfolded.
SEMAR confirmed that eight people were aboard the aircraft: four members of the naval crew and four civilians.
Of those, five have been confirmed dead, one remains missing and is presumed deceased, and two survived and are receiving medical care.
Confirmed fatalities – Mexican Navy personnel:
- Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández
- Lieutenant S.S.N. Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores
- Marinero A.N. E. Av. Guadalupe Flores Barranco
Missing and presumed deceased:
- Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones
(His body has not been recovered; however, SEMAR stated that given the circumstances, he is presumed deceased.)
Civilian passengers who died:
- Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz, pediatric burn patient
- Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González, physician accompanying the patient
Survivors:
- Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera, patient companion
- Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla, nurse
In a statement, the Mexican Navy emphasized that the aircraft was conducting a humanitarian medical support mission at the time of the crash, underscoring the risks associated with emergency medical evacuations.
The death of Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González has prompted an outpouring of grief in his hometown of Tomatlán, Jalisco. Community members, colleagues, and local leaders described him as a deeply committed physician who dedicated his life to humanitarian service. He was escorting a severely burned child to Shriners Hospital in Galveston when the crash occurred.
Local tributes described Dr. Adame González as “a brave young man and a hero who gave his life in service to others.” Family members, friends, and colleagues highlighted his unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable children and his strong sense of duty instilled through his upbringing.
SEMAR and the Michou and Mau Foundation also issued statements mourning the loss, noting the critical importance of these missions in saving the lives of children with severe burn injuries.
Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing, with Mexican and U.S. authorities working jointly to determine what led to the incident.
Condolences continue to pour in for the families of all victims, as well as for the community of Tomatlán, which mourns the loss of a physician remembered for his compassion, professionalism, and lifelong dedication to service.