Workers located, fire rages after Geary Boulevard explosion

A construction crew digging in San Francisco’s Lone Mountain area Wednesday afternoon struck a gas line, sparking an explosion and a three-alarm fire, but no injuries have been reported so far according to firefighters.

Five workers who were briefly unaccounted for have been found, and medical personnel are at the scene, although their services have not yet been required.

Emergency crews are working to stop the flow of gas so the fire can be extinguished.

Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said during a news conference near the scene:

“It’s intense because it’s been going on now for a while.”

One business, a restaurant, is currently burning, but at least three more have been exposed to the fire, White said.

Evacuation orders are in place for about a block in each direction, and police and firefighters are currently knocking on doors advising people in the area to leave. Drivers and residents have been asked to avoid the area until further notice.