PG&E: Oakland Gas Explosion Not Due To Leak

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Pacific Gas & Electric officials say an explosion that destroyed an Oakland house and burned a man inside was not caused by a leak from any PG&E pipelines.

Company spokeswoman Brandi Ehlers says PG&E immediately responded to the scene of the Monday night blast and failed to find any leaks in the utility's pipelines, which stop outside the house.

Oakland fire officials say they believe there was a natural gas explosion on the second floor, but the department is still investigating.

Battalion Chief Melinda Drayton says the blast was apparently triggered when the 61-year-old occupant flicked a light switch.

Drayton says the man was burned over 80 percent of his body and was in critical condition at a San Francisco burn center.

She says the injured man was having the second floor renovated. No one else was injured.

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