TRAGEDY

San Bruno Death Toll Rises to 7

Six are reportedly missing.

The massive gas line explosion that ravaged the city of San Bruno, California has now claimed seven victims, with another six reported missing, according to police. But the San Mateo County coroner’s office has disputed the police report, saying the death toll remains at four. It remains unclear what led to the burst gas line that destroyed 37 homes and caused the evacuation of another 271 houses. “In a split second, a flash, our lives changed forever," Mayor Jim Ruane told residents who packed a town meeting in a church. “This has been a tragedy of immense proportion.” Meanwhile, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) is pushing hard for increased inspections of natural gas lines that pass through residential neighborhoods. “We cannot wait for the answers to this. Inspections are the way to go,” said Sen. Boxer. “We have to be very clear that we're trying to prevent this from ever happening again.”