On February 5, 2008, a natural gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno, California, killing eight people and injuring many others. The explosion destroyed dozens of homes and caused a massive fire that took several hours to control. The blast was caused by a rupture in an aging pipeline, which had been previously flagged for safety concerns. The tragedy led to increased scrutiny of gas pipeline infrastructure across the U.S., highlighting the need for regular maintenance and upgrades. The explosion also raised awareness about the risks posed by aging utilities in urban areas.