Fireball Tragedy in California Suburb Brings Gas Industry Under Scrutiny (Suzanne Goldenberg)

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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