A massive explosion sent flames roaring through a neighborhood south of San Francisco on Thursday night, destroying more than 50 homes and leaving at least four dead.

 

Utility officials said a natural gas line ruptured in the vicinity of the blast, which left a giant crater and sent flames tearing across several suburban blocks in San Bruno just after 6 p.m. local time Thursday.

 

After the initial blast, flames reached as high as 100 feet as the fire fueled itself on burning homes, leaving some in total ruins and reducing parked automobiles to burned out shells. At least 120 homes also suffered serious damage.

 

Pacific Gas and Electric Co, which serves the San Francisco Bay area, said Friday morning a damaged section of a 30-inch steel gas pipeline had been isolated and gas flow had been stopped. It also cut power to 5,800 customers to ensure the safety of repair crews.

 

The National Transportation Safety Board said that it has sent a four-member team to San Bruno to investigate.