PG&E (NYSE:PCG) Offers $50,000 to San Bruno Victims, Some Return to Homes

Homeowners who still had homes and were able to return to them, can receive up to an initial $50,000 from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG), who owned the pipeline which exploded, killing seven people, with six still unaccounted for.

It wasn't clear whether those with demolished homes were given the same amount of money at this time.

The $50,000 comes with no strings attached, and won't have to be paid by those receiving it.

Those receiving the money are not being asked to sign off on not suing PG&E in the future either.

PG&E has also paid $3 million to the city of San Bruno to help cover the costs related to the damage from the explosion.

Uncertainty Now Surrounds PG&E (NYSE:PCG)

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) finds itself in the unenviable position of waiting for the results of an investigation of the natural gas explosion in San Bruno, which so far as claimed the lives of four people and injured over 50.

The National Transportation Safety Board has began an investigation into the accident.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said investigators are already on the scene of the devastation.

The California Public Utility Commission has direct jurisdiction over the accident, and will apparently work with the National Transportation Safety Board in the investigation.

Pacific's liability will be determined by the outcome of the investigation, and if negligent in some way, will cost them a lot of money.

San Bruno Gas Explosion Damage Estimated at "Tens of Millions"

Based on estimates made from descriptions in the aftermath of the San Bruno Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) natural gas explosion, it is estimated caused could rise into the "tens of millions," according to Robert Hartwig, the president of the Insurance Information Institute

So far about 38 homes were destroyed, and up to 132 more damaged; seven of them very badly.

The analysis from Hartwig came from descriptions offered by emergency responders.

Insurance adjusters have reportedly been sent to the scene of the explosion to investigate and confirm the extent of the damage.

Costs of Pacific Gas (NYSE:PCG) Explosion Adding Up

The damage and loss of life from the explosion of a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) natural gas line in San Bruno, California, is growing, with the latest death count at four, and people suffering burns now numbering 52. Those numbers are expected to rise as the area is able to be investigated.

The four deaths were confirmed by the San Mateo County coroner's office. Confirmation of the identities of the victims won't be made until they can be compared with dental records.

So far 38 homes have been completely destroyed, with another seven suffering heavy damage. Several other homes have reportedly suffer minor damage.

Among the 52 injured, they suffered from smoke inhalation, burns, among other injuries. Three of the injured were in critical condition as a result of third-degree burns.

Pacific Gas (NYSE:PCG) Gas Line Explodes in San Bruno

(Getty Images:Justin Sullivan)

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE:PCG) had one of their gas lines explode in a neighborhood of San Bruno, sending one victim to a San Francisco hospital in critical condition, and a number with minor and serious injuries to hospitals around the area.

Preliminary estimates are the explosion destroyed or damaged up to 35 structures, although a final count won't be official until the fire is brought under control and damage assessed.

Some of the homes were destroyed directly from the blast, while others were burned to the ground by flames reportedly as high as 100 feet. As the fire spread it burned everything it came in touch with.

Originally it was thought a plane may have crashed in the area, but that was ruled out by officials. That may have been thought because gas explosions can sound similar to a plane explosion.

San Bruno is located about 8 miles south of San Francisco.