Fresno CA | A 12-inch PG&E gas line was reportedly was struck by a backhoe causing an explosion sending a huge fire-ball in the sky around 1530 hours PDT today.  Media reported the explosion occurred behind the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office gun range where construction was under well under way.

The Fresno Fire Department released on their Twitter page that they had surrounded the area working to contain the limited spread of fire to nearby grass caused by the explosion. They are still at this time still trying to get the fire under control near the railroad.

Reports of 11 people have been hurt with five burned were transported to area hospitals.

The incident is located at 7448 N Weber, near Highway 99 in Fresno, California. The highway had been shut down in both directions. Southbound was reopened 1615 hours PDT.  Northbound lanes reopened around 1700 Hours PDT.

Agencies working on scene together is CHP, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police & FD, as well as a PG&E Rep on scene.  Media is also on scene covering the story.

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