CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A devastating fire and explosions that tore through a suburban Detroit building, primarily used for storing vaping industry supplies, resulted in the tragic death of one individual. As investigators work tirelessly to unravel the events of Monday night’s incident, they are cautioning residents against handling any debris due to lingering potential hazards.
The extensive damage caused by the fire has hindered the commencement of the investigation, as the building remains filled with fallen steel beams that must first be cleared with heavy machinery. Despite ongoing efforts to extinguish smoldering areas inside the ruins, fire officials are hopeful that weekend rain showers will aid in these endeavors. Chief Tim Duncan of the Clinton Township Fire Department expressed the necessity of removing the steel beams to advance the investigation accurately.
Authorities revealed that over 2 million gallons of water have been utilized to combat the blaze since the outbreak on Monday night, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Tragically, a 19-year-old man lost his life when he was struck by a flying gas cannister propelled a quarter of a mile away from the building amidst the explosive chaos.
The building, previously occupied by a vaping industry distributor named Goo, housed an extensive inventory of vape pens and butane canisters. The town had granted Goo an occupancy permit for the 26,700-square-foot building as a retail location, although discussions regarding zoning approval for warehousing and distribution had taken place. Supervisor Bob Cannon affirmed the readiness of the major crimes unit to collaborate with law enforcement in the forthcoming investigation.
Clinton Township authorities emphasized the dangers of handling fire debris, particularly cannisters and hazardous materials, urging residents to refrain from souveniring items from the site. Mary Bednar, the director of public services, disclosed the involvement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in managing potential hazards posed by fire debris.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire and the tragic loss of life, a team comprising various agencies and authorities is gearing up to delve into the investigation. The coming days will likely shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and pave the way for accountability.