CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Tragedy struck a building in suburban Detroit, leading to a large fire and multiple explosions, resulting in the loss of one life and injuring a firefighter. Investigators have raised concerns regarding a vaping supply distributor operating at the site, questioning the events that transpired.
Initial reports suggest that canisters containing gas chemicals may have triggered the explosions that took place, with authorities still investigating the exact cause of the fire. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is involved in the ongoing investigation.
The facility housed a distributor for the vaping industry known as Goo, where canisters holding nitrous and butane were stored. Despite Township officials stating that the business was not authorized to store such materials, an inspection in 2022 had not revealed the extent of these substances.
Fire Chief Tim Duncan mentioned that a recent delivery of butane canisters and over 100,000 vape pens were present on-site when the fire broke out. Witness reports of extensive explosions and booms, along with embedded canisters in neighboring buildings, painted a troubling picture of the scene.
Experts, like Professor Ben Ilozor from Eastern Michigan University, emphasized the hazardous nature of the materials involved, noting the combustible properties of butane and nitrous. The incident resulted in a tragic death, where a man was struck by a canister at a distance from the building, emphasizing the dangerous repercussions of the event.
Residents have been advised to steer clear of the area while cleanup efforts are underway. Despite the devastation caused, officials have not detected any alarming air quality issues in the vicinity. The community tries to come to terms with the aftermath of this devastating incident as investigations continue to shed light on the series of unfortunate events that unfolded in suburban Detroit.