San Bruno, California, Sep 10 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Officials in San Bruno, California, have confirmed that at least 4 people have been killed and at least 24 others have been injured as a result of the deadly gas explosion that rocked the hills on Thursday night. The explosion was so huge that it left a crater at the explosion site. There were reports that six people have been killed, but it was not a confirmed figure.

According to firefighters, more than 53 homes have also been destroyed as a result of the explosion. A further 120 homes have also been damaged badly and officials say they believe they believe the explosion was caused by buildup of pressure in the gas line. The California Public Utilities Commission is continuing its investigations into the cause of the blast.

Several people spent the night in temporary shelters after they were evacuated. The blown up gas transmission line belongs to the Pacific Gas & Electric company.

The resulting fire had burned some 10 acres of land and officials say they have managed to contain only half of the blaze. About 200 firefighters are battling the blaze witnesses who saw the blast say it shot fireball several meters into the sky.

Firefighters initially had to battle the blast from two miles away, because the town’s water system was destroyed by the blast.