CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Michigan – Officials in Clinton Township are set to provide an update following a tragic incident at a vape distribution facility that resulted in the death of a teenager. The warehouse owned by Select Distributors, a supplier of vaping materials, went up in flames on March 4, causing shrapnel to scatter up to a mile from the site, as per investigators. Within the facility were over 10,000 vape pens containing lithium batteries from a company in the vaping industry known as Goo, Duncan revealed.
Concerns have been raised as it was discovered that the building, housing both Goo and Select Distributors, was illegally storing a large number of gas containers filled with butane and nitrous, creating potential hazards. Supervisor Bob Cannon expressed outrage at this revelation, noting that the storage of these canisters was unauthorized and against regulations.
In the latest developments, authorities have identified the victim of the incident as 19-year-old Turner Salter. Reports indicate that Salter was struck by shrapnel in the head approximately a quarter-mile away from the fire. Additionally, a firefighter was injured when debris shattered a windshield and grazed his face, prompting hospitalization. Fortunately, the firefighter has since been treated and discharged, according to local reports.
The incident has raised concerns about safety regulations and proper storage practices within the vaping industry. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and assess any negligence that may have contributed to the tragic outcome. The community mourns the loss of the young victim and continues to support those affected by the devastating event.
As the community and authorities await further updates on the investigation, questions linger about the safety protocols in place for businesses handling potentially hazardous materials. The need for stringent enforcement of regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future is underscored by this unfortunate event, prompting a reevaluation of safety measures and compliance standards in industrial settings.