Rochester, Michigan – Multiple individuals sustained injuries in a devastating explosion that rocked downtown Rochester, Michigan, on Saturday. The Rochester Police Michigan reported that the blast occurred when a propane tank near a restaurant on Main Street caught fire. Five individuals, including children, were rushed to local hospitals with injuries, while two others were treated at the scene and later discharged. The conditions of the five hospitalized victims remain uncertain at this time.
Dramatic videos captured at the scene depicted bystanders assisting multiple injured individuals on the sidewalk, even applying a tourniquet to one man’s leg, all before the arrival of police and emergency responders. Mark Mendola, the proprietor of D’Marcos Restaurant, shared with FOX 2 his belief that the explosion may have been triggered by a propane tank utilized for an outdoor heating lamp at a neighboring establishment.
Residents in the area reported a persistent gas smell in the aftermath of the explosion, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid the affected area. As investigations unfold, Main Street will remain closed between Fourth and University. The Rochester Police Michigan released a statement on Facebook providing details on the incident, indicating that a propane tank outside a business on Main Street caught fire and subsequently exploded around 8:45 pm. Police and fire units responded promptly, treating three individuals for severe injuries and several others for minor injuries. The incident is currently under investigation, with authorities believing it to be accidental. Main Street will remain closed from Fourth to University for several hours as the area is made safe for travel once again.