First-time homebuyers file PG&E lawsuit

Another family has filed a lawsuit against PG&E in connection with the Sept. 9 gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people and left 37 homes destroyed.

One of those homes belonged to Michael and Diane Zastrow, who had just bought their first home on Claremont Drive three weeks before the fire and since, according to the lawsuit filed Monday in San Mateo County Superior Court, have been devastated after losing everything they owned.

According to the Zastrows' lawsuit, the couple had just sat down to watch a football game when the explosion rocked the neighborhood. Their home became engulfed in flames and, surrounded by smoke and fire; they jumped in their car in the garage. But the garage door wouldn't open, the suit claims.

In a last ditch effort, Michael started the car and pressed down on the gas pedal as hard as he could, and they crashed through the garage door.

As they sped away, the Zastrows saw their neighbors lying on the sidewalk, many severely burned, and decided to pick them up and drive to the hospital.

Their home was completely destroyed and they now live under constant emotional distress, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint calls for injunctive relief to have Line 132, the pipeline that exploded, relocated or repaired and for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to install remote or automatic shutoff valves on all of its pipes.

The lawsuit also claims the fire was the direct result of PG&E's "ultrahazardous activities" in operating the gas transmission pipeline.

The charges include negligence, infliction of emotional distress, strict liability, private and public nuisance, and trespassing.

Denny Boyles, a PG&E spokesman, said the utility hasn't received the lawsuit yet but that it will review the suit once it does.

In the meantime, Boyles said, PG&E remains committed to helping the Crestmoor neighborhood rebuild following the disaster.

The utility is also currently waiting to hear back about its petition to the Judicial Council of California to have one judge hear all the cases filed against PG&E.