As NTSB Continues Investigation, Reports of Locals Who Smelled Gas Pour In

The National Transportation Safety Board director who is leading the ongoing investigation into the Sept. 9 gas explosion and fire said Tuesday evening he was pleased so far with the response from residents who contacted the agency with PG&E complaints before the disaster.

NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart said the agency has received 90 emails from residents who claimed they had previously smelled gas in the Crestmoor neighborhood. He said one person claimed to have smelled gas a few weeks ago, but PG&E responded to the complaint and handled the problem.

Hart said the next focus of the investigation will include an analysis of how the pipe broke and whether it failed "catastrophically" or whether it was "just a pinhole leak." Depending on the findings, he said, the agency will be able to determine whether the complaints about smelling gas are connected to the explosion.

The investigation also will look into whether the workers who maintained the pipe were trained properly and how the shut-off valves to the pipes were functioning, Hart said.

NTSB investigators are expected to be on the scene throughout the week and will be conducting interviews with the people who made complaints.

If you smelled gas in the neighborhood before the explosion, email the NTSB at sanbruno@ntsb.gov.