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
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.