VIDEO: If you look closely, there are still scars left over from the explosion of a ruptured natural gas line in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond neighborhood more than two years ago.
The blast rocked Geary Blvd. at Parker Ave. on the afternoon of Feb. 6, 2019. A two-story building on the corner – site of Hong Kong Lounge II restaurant and residences on the second floor – was extensively damaged by a giant orange fireball that sent diners running for their lives. Sisters Cindy and Judy Chan were inside the restaurant celebrating Chinese New Year with their parents at the time, sitting right next to the fire when it erupted.
“I heard popping sounds. I thought it was fire crackers because it’s Chinese New Year,” Cindy Chan told KPIX 5 at the time. Within seconds, all they could see was a bright orange glow surrounding the restaurant.