Crime & Safety

Bullis Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against PG&E

Lavonne Bullis had just celebrated her 82nd birthday the day before the Sept. 9 pipeline explosion, which also killed her son, Gregory Bullis, 50, and Gregory's 17-year-old son William.

The relatives of the three Bullis family members who died in the Sept. 9 pipeline blast have filed another wrongful death lawsuit against PG&E in connection with the fire.

Jean Bullis Young and Gary Bullis—whose were all killed in the explosion at their Claremont Drive home—filed the lawsuit on Feb. 22 in San Mateo County Superior Court.

The wife of Gregory Bullis, 50, Susan, in October on behalf of Gregory and William.

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The latest lawsuit was filed on behalf of Lavonne Bullis, who died one day after her 82nd birthday. Gary Bullis has been especially affected by the loss of his brother as they were twins and shared a special bond, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages and charges Pacific Gas & Electric Co. with negligence, strict liability, inflicting emotional distress, nuisance, trespassing and inverse condemnation.

Find out what's happening in San Brunowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since Feb. 22, five other lawsuits have been filed against the utility by residents of the Crestmoor neighborhood, where eight people total died as a result of the fire, 38 homes were destroyed and 62 homes were damaged.

The plaintiffs include 84-year-old and her daughter Gayle Masunu. Both were badly burned as they fled the neighborhood before flames engulfed their  Claremont Drive home.

PG&E continues to say its main concern is helping the neighborhood rebuild.

Last week, a county judge brought by victims of the pipeline explosion—now totalling more than 60 and including at least 150 people. The state Supreme Court now has to give final approval to the decision, after which a judge must be named to hear the combined cases within three weeks.

"We are pleased," PG&E spokesman Joe Molica told Patch about the state Judicial Council's decision. "What this does is allow for a quicker, more efficient process for everyone involved."


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