State blames PG&E for deadly 2008 gas explosion

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (AP) — Pacific Gas and Electric Company could face fines after state investigators concluded it was to blame for a deadly gas explosion in a Sacramento suburb.

The state Public Utilities Commission on Friday filed administrative charges against PG&E in the 2008 blast in Rancho Cordova.

The explosion killed 72-year-old Wilbert "Bill" Paana.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that an administrative law judge will now decide whether to impose fines against the utility.

State investigators say PG&E should have discovered a faulty repair job that led to the explosion, but failed to act in time.

Federal officials reached a similar conclusion earlier this year.

PG&E says it is committed to cooperating with state officials and has tried to improve its practices in the wake of the blast.