An explosion from an underground utility chamber disrupted life in downtown San Francisco Friday causing one woman to be injured. Several blocks of downtown were evacuated after the blast which took place at the Ralph Lauren store in the Crocker Galleria area.
A crew from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. was unable to investigate the cause of the blast since the bomb squad was on the scene to make sure there were no explosives in the area. The utility did say there was no evidence of a gas leak.
Paul Moreno, a spokesman for Pacific Gas & Electric told reporters, 'The explosion did displace manhole covers; two round steel ones; and it also displaced a concrete cover as well.'
The name of the woman who was injured was not released. She was taken to St. Francis Hospital and was treated at the emergency room there. An eyewitness said she appeared to be badly burned by the explosion. The hospital had no immediate comment on her condition.
According to a report by the Associated Press, local workers felt their office buildings shake and thought the blast was an earthquake.
At this time, foul play is not believed to be involved.
