Clinton Township, Michigan – Select Distributors, the company at the center of the tragic explosion and industrial fire last week in Clinton Township, has issued its first official statement since the incident. The fire broke out on March 4 at Select Distributors, leading to a series of explosions that claimed the life of a teenager and caused debris to scatter miles away from the site.
In a statement released on March 13 through a spokesperson, Select Distributors expressed deep sorrow and offered its heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim. The company emphasized its full cooperation with investigators to determine the cause of the accident. With over a decade of operation in the community, Select Distributors stated its commitment to prioritizing safety and support for its employees and the surrounding community.
Fire officials commenced an on-site investigation at the warehouse on Monday, marking their first opportunity to assess the aftermath of the devastating incident. The hazardous conditions had previously prevented direct access to the site, where hundreds of canisters exploded, propelling debris for miles and creating a perilous environment resembling a “war zone,” according to Fire Chief Tim Duncan.
Select Distributors specializes in supplying products to liquor stores and gas stations, including items like cellphone chargers and vaping products. The company’s warehouse, located at 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway, shared a space with another entity called Goo, which operated as a storefront with a storage area for products sold on site.
Goo is known for selling whipped cream chargers in heavy canisters, similar to those found strewn across Clinton Township post-explosion. The cylinders, marked with warnings of fire risk and potential explosion, were reportedly imported by Select Distributors’ president, Noor Kestou, from China in November.
Due to the unauthorized storage of flammable containers that led to the catastrophic event, Select Distributors will face accountability for the incident, according to officials. The community anticipates repercussions for the lapses in safety protocols that resulted in the tragic loss of life and extensive damage. Chief Duncan affirmed that corrective actions will be taken to address the wrongdoing and prevent future disasters from occurring.