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Judge To Hear 74 San Bruno Blast Lawsuits

SAN BRUNO (CBS / AP) -- A county judge who will hear the dozens of civil lawsuits filed against Pacific Gas & Electric Co. after last year's natural gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno said proceedings will get going later this summer.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Steven Dylina will hear 74 suits filed against the utility in a consolidated procedure.

>>Photo Gallery: San Bruno Pipeline Explosion

On Thursday, the judge ordered attorneys for the plaintiffs and the company to meet again June 30 to set up a schedule and the discovery process.

Dylina said lawsuits brought against the company by shareholders will have to be heard after those filed by victims and their families.

The Sept. 9 explosion killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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