CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – A catastrophic fire at an industrial facility in a Detroit suburb resulted in hundreds of explosions on Monday night, leading to the tragic death of a 19-year-old, according to various sources.
The victim was fatally hit by a projectile from the explosion, stated Clinton Township Fire Department Chief Tim Duncan on Tuesday morning. The fire erupted at approximately 8:40 p.m. at a facility owned by Select Distributors, a company known for storing nitrous oxide tanks, novelty items, and general merchandise.
The intensity of the fire was evident in news helicopter footage, which displayed an enormous, bright orange area of fire with intermittent bursts of flames resembling explosions. Reports suggest that the building experienced hundreds of minor explosions as canisters detonated and were ejected from the structure. One of these canisters penetrated the windshield of a fire truck, injuring a firefighter.
Both the Clinton Township Police Department and Fire Department sought assistance from local police and fire agencies, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, due to the company’s known storage of combustible materials.
Upon arrival, first responders witnessed materials exploding and scattering in all directions from the building, with some landing approximately a mile away. Consequently, a security perimeter was established, and the evacuation of local residents and businesses was initiated. Police urged residents to remain indoors.
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel informed the media late Monday that continuous explosions were occurring at the facility, believed to be CO2 or propane-related, alongside the fire. However, by 11 p.m., the fire was reported as contained. The focus then shifted to air quality concerns, with a HAZMAT unit dispatched to conduct tests.
Preliminary findings from the air quality tests indicated the presence of smoke, but no hazardous substances. One resident reported hearing the explosions from her home eight miles away, describing the event as “continuous and very intense.”
As of Tuesday morning, crews were still on site, clearing debris from the roadway and nearby parking lots. The cause of the initial fire remains unknown.