DFA: No Pinoy casualty in California gas blast

There was no Filipino casualty in a gas pipeline explosion in California last September 9, killing six people and damaging over 200 houses, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Saturday. Citing a report from the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, the DFA said there are no reported Filipino casualties in the San Bruno City incident. "The Consulate General is actively coordinating with county officials and leaders of the Filipino community to determine whether Filipinos were injured in the blast," the DFA said in its website. But the Consulate General advised that reports on Filipinos affected by the explosion may be coursed through the Assistance-to-Nationals Officer at telephone number (1 415) 424 9908. Family and friends can also check the status of victims through www.safeandwell.org, which has been set up by the American Red Cross. Earlier, the Consulate reported that a 30-inch pipeline exploded around 6:15 p.m. on September 9 in San Bruno, San Mateo County. Reports from several sources indicate that there were six reported fatalities while 100 people are now temporarily housed in various shelters. At least 53 houses were severely damaged and 222 were partially damaged, the DFA said. — LBG, GMANews.TV