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The big question still is what really happened; what exactly caused the explosion and who is responsible?
The blast site is still off limits and guarded by security as investigators search for answers. A photo from PG&E shows part of the aftermath of Friday’s massive explosion at the Fresno County Sheriff’s Foundation gun range. In the center of the photo is the charred tractor that was allegedly being operated by a Fresno County public works employee when it hit a gas line.
PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith says, "We are very confident that had 811 been called that we would have been able to provide the proper warnings."
According to PG&E, the gas line had been inspected twice in the past couple of years – as recently as April 16th – and was placed according to federal safety guidelines 40 inches below ground. Monday, a third party forensic team hired by PG&E went to work covering all bases.
Smith says, "in terms of the specifics of what happened or the issues that took place, that will be part of the investigation."
Fresno Fire is also investigating what caused the spark that igniteed the flames. The California Public Utilities Commission is investigating whether PG&E violated any state or federal laws as well as the exact cause of the pipeline rupture.
The fiery blast closed both directions of highway 99 and damaged 400 feet of nearby railroad tracks.
Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson Ft
Francisco CA still says, "The wooden ties caught on fire as well and once the track gets heat on it, the track expands.
What’s still unclear is whether the worker was actually digging or moving dirt.
"The saddest thing about this situation is that as a result of this we have folks that are in the hospital," says Smith.
Officials say it could take a couple of weeks for the investigation to be complete.
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