Fresno County Public Works faces hefty state fine for gas line explosion

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Fresno County Public Works Department faces a hefty fine from the state for a gas line explosion.

The blast killed one man and injured twelve others at the Fresno Peace Officers Gun Range last April.

According to documents filed by Cal-OSHA the county is responsible for violating five state work rules and must pay a penalty of more than $101,000.

Investigators say a front loader operated by a county employee hit an underground gas line causing the explosion.

The citations say the county never surveyed the site or contacted any public utility about the work being performed.

The county can appeal the citations.