CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – An industrial fire engulfing a facility in suburban Detroit prompted multiple explosions on Monday night, shaking the area and sending debris soaring into the sky. The incident occurred near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway, causing widespread concern among residents and authorities. The Clinton Township Police Department warned individuals to remain indoors for their safety as the debris dispersed up to a mile away from the site.
Authorities expressed uncertainty about the exact materials fueling the fire and the potential health risks associated with the incident, urging caution and vigilance among the community. News helicopter footage captured the intense blaze, marked by bursts of flames resembling explosions within the inferno. The scale of the fire and the subsequent explosions raised alarms among local officials and emergency responders.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel reported that the explosions commenced at the Select Distributors plant around 9 p.m., triggering a swift response from Clinton Township law enforcement and firefighters. Acknowledging the hazardous conditions, Hackel mentioned the presence of CO2 or propane explosions at the facility, compounding the challenges faced by first responders. Despite the relentless efforts to contain the blaze, concerns lingered about air quality in the vicinity and the need for ongoing monitoring.
Witnesses like Kevin Felster recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the fire and explosions while en route to Clinton Township, highlighting the magnitude of the debris scattered across the area. The scene of charred metal remnants strewn on the ground underscored the intensity of the explosions and the potential risks posed by the industrial fire. The impact of the incident on nearby residents and businesses remained a pressing concern as authorities worked to assess the situation and address any immediate threats.
Select Distributors, a wholesaler of novelties and phone accessories, found itself at the center of the crisis, with operations disrupted by the blaze. The company’s silence in response to inquiries about the incident raised questions about its emergency preparedness and communication protocols. As investigations into the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage continued, community members grappled with the aftermath of the industrial disaster.
The reverberations of the explosions reached neighborhoods as far as 8 miles away, leaving residents like Joleen Vultaggio startled by the intensity and frequency of the blasts. The pervasive impact of the industrial fire underscored the importance of preparedness and mitigation strategies in safeguarding communities against such catastrophic events. As authorities worked to secure the area and assess the aftermath, the resilience of Clinton Township residents shone through in their collective response to the crisis.