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Calif. Gas Pipe That Exploded Ranked High Risk

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (AP) — A California utility spokesman confirms the section of pipe near San Francisco categorized as high-risk in company documents was on the same line as the segment that exploded in a deadly fireball over a suburban neighborhood.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press showed that Pacific Gas & Electric submitted paperwork to regulators that said a section of the same gas line was within "the top 100 highest risk line sections" in the utility's service territory.

PG&E spokesman Andrew Souvall did not immediately say whether records showed any complaints from San Bruno residents in the days leading up the blast, or when the section that ruptured had last been inspected. But he said the segment farther north was checked for leaks on September 10 and none were found.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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