PG&E Accepts Liability|for San Bruno Explosion

SAN FRANCISCO (CN) - Pacific Gas and Electric Company acknowledged liability for a fatal natural gas pipeline explosion and fire in September 2010, and agreed to compensate the victims.

The Sept. 9, 2010 explosion killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes in San Bruno. A 30-inch steel pipe spurted fire up to 1,000 feet in the air.

PG&E accepted financial liability for the explosion Wednesday, responding to a San Mateo Superior Court judge's request for an official company position as a trial approaches, in July 2012.

"PG&E is hopeful that today's announcement will allow the families affected by this terrible tragedy to receive compensation sooner, without unnecessary legal proceedings," PG&E president Chris Johns said in a statement.

"We are affirming our commitment to do the right thing in our response to the accident."

A trial date has been set for July 23, 2012. Attorney Frank Pitre represents around 75 victims of the explosion and fire.

PG&E did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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