2 families reach deals in Calif. pipeline blast

2 families reach deals in Calif. pipeline blast

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (AP) — The families of five people who died in a 2010 pipeline explosion in suburban San Francisco have settled lawsuits against Pacific Gas & Electric.

The San Mateo County Times reports the deal with two families was disclosed during a Thursday court hearing in Redwood City.

The judge says he’s optimistic similar negotiated agreements can be reached so an October trial can be avoided.

The terms of the deals are confidential, and both sides declined to discuss details.

PG&E has said it expects to spend more than $200 million to settle the suits filed in the wake of the Sept. 9, 2010, explosion in San Bruno.

The blast killed eight people and destroyed 38 homes.