Clinton Township, Michigan – A massive fire erupted at a warehouse in suburban Detroit on Monday night, leading to explosions that caused debris to be scattered up to a mile away, according to authorities and local residents.
The incident, which called for emergency services at around 8:50 p.m. on Monday, affected a building in Clinton Township shared by businesses Goo and Select Distributors. Select Distributors is known for supplying novelty items, phone accessories, vape products, nitrous oxide, and CBD oils to dollar stores. On the other hand, Goo is a smoke shop specializing in tobacco and smoking paraphernalia.
Debris from the fire was launched into the air, with some pieces landing as far as one mile from the warehouse site, as reported by the Clinton Township Police Department. Tragically, a 19-year-old man lost his life about a quarter-mile away from the site after being struck in the head by a flying canister. Additionally, a firefighter sustained injuries from debris that penetrated his windshield and hit him on the face.
Residents in neighboring towns reported hearing the explosions, with some noting that their homes shook from the impact. Eyewitnesses captured footage of the incident, showing sustained explosions and projectiles flying into the sky, lasting for over half an hour.
As authorities grappled with the aftermath of the fire, they revealed that the warehouse was almost entirely destroyed, primarily due to the detonation of metal canisters weighing a few pounds each. They struggled to contain the situation because of the numerous explosions occurring within the building.
Local officials disclosed that the business had recently received a large shipment of combustible materials, including butane containers, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, and thousands of vape pens with lithium batteries. Concerned residents were advised to stay indoors with closed windows, although air and water quality in the area were determined to be safe after monitoring by emergency response teams.
Police, firefighters, and hazmat teams worked through the night to clear debris and secure the scene, ensuring the safety of surrounding areas. The investigation into the cause of the fire and subsequent explosions is ongoing as authorities assess the situation and deal with the aftermath of the tragic event in Clinton Township.