The deadly explosion has increased pressure on the government to regulate the extraction method hydraulic fracturing
Sept. 10, 2010 (Guardian) -- The natural gas industry is coming under intense scrutiny today, after a massive fireball ripped through a ruptured pipeline in a suburban town near San Francisco, killing at least four people, injuring dozens more, and burning more than 50 homes to the ground.
The cause of the fire, traced to a pipeline operated by the Pacific Gas & Electric company in the town of San Bruno, was under investigation today. But it ramps up public pressure for the Obama administration to take a hard look at one of the fastest growing sources of American energy.
The fires in San Bruno burned for more than 12 hours after residents reported a deafening explosion. Residents who fled their homes said it felt like they were fleeing a blowtorch.
"It looked like hell on earth. I have never seen a ball of fire that huge," Bob Pellegrini, who lived near the scene of the explosion told reporters.
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