San Bruno 'Needs Answers' After Gas Pipeline Explosion

Sept. 11, 2010— -- While state and local politicians vowed today to get to the bottom of what caused a massive gas pipeline explosion and fire, residents of the devastated California community just wanted to get back to their homes.

Dozens of people who were evacuated after the explosion Thursday night in San Bruno, Calif. were still barred from returning to their homes today, and only a few were allowed to briefly gather some belongings.

At least four people were killed, including a longtime California Public Utilities Commission employee and her 13-year-old daughter, while more than 50 were injured in the explosion.

Because the neighborhood is still considered a hazardous area, there is no timeline for when residents can return, officials said today.

Six dog teams were searching for victims today, but officials said there were no reports of anyone still missing or unaccounted for.

The explosion destroyed dozens of homes in the community, which is in the hills just south of San Francisco.

After touring the scene this morning, Sen. Barbara Boxer said she would push for a federal investigation into what happened.

"We're going to push for robust inspections and action on these pipelines, particularly the ones that are close to residential homes," the Democrat said. "I am calling on all responsible parties -- PG&E and all the regulators, federal and state -- to outline a robust inspection system that begins right now."

Acting Gov. Abel Maldonado and Boxer said they planned to hold a news conference today focusing on the recovery phase and how the federal, state and city governments will help those in need of assistance.

"The community of San Bruno needs answers. The people of California need answers," Maldonaldo said. "We need to know why this happened and we need to know how this happened."