Clinton Township, Michigan – A press conference held on Tuesday morning revealed troubling details about the business that caught fire and exploded near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway the previous night. Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon stated that the business was illegally operating a warehouse, with unauthorized nitrous oxide canisters on site. Fire Chief Tim Duncan confirmed that the business, Select Distributors, was only supposed to be a retail vape and smoke shop, not a distribution center for the industry.
According to Cannon, the presence of nitrous oxide tanks on the premises was entirely forbidden, emphasizing that any amount of such items should not have been there. Duncan further clarified that while the vaping products were legal, the presence of butane and nitrous oxide tanks was not permitted. The Select Distributors website listed these tanks among its offerings, leading to questions about the nature of the business’s operations.
The business had converted from a discount grocery store, and it had been about a year since the property was last inspected by the township. The discovery of illegal operations raised concerns about safety guidelines being violated and the need for consequences for those responsible. Although criminal charges were not confirmed, Cannon suggested that there would be repercussions for the actions of those involved.
The explosion, which occurred just before 9 p.m., resulted in multiple explosions that caused property damage in the vicinity. Tragically, a 19-year-old male lost his life after being struck in the head by a flying nitrous oxide tank. The aftermath of the incident necessitated a thorough investigation, with authorities urging residents to report any suspicious canisters they may come across.
Due to the dangerous conditions at the site, investigators were unable to commence their search until at least the following day. The incident underscored the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the potentially devastating consequences of unauthorized operations. As the community grappled with the aftermath of the explosion, concerns were raised about accountability and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.