Clinton Township, Michigan – An industrial fire at a building selling vape pens and supplies resulted in explosions propelling gas canisters up to a mile away, leading to the tragic death of a 19-year-old individual. Local officials reported that the victim was struck by flying shrapnel from one of the illegally stored canisters while at a carwash approximately a quarter-mile from the explosion site.
According to Tim Duncan, the fire chief of Clinton Township, the aftermath of the explosions created a scene reminiscent of a war zone with shrapnel scattered in all directions. Firefighters were challenged by continuous blasts preventing them from approaching the site closely, making debris collection a daunting task.
The incident, which occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, prompted a swift response from 50 to 60 firefighters. One firefighter sustained injury when a canister shattered a fire engine window. The explosions were so powerful that Duncan mentioned hearing them from over seven miles away, emphasizing the magnitude of the event and the danger it posed.
City officials are currently investigating the cause of the blast and subsequent fire, working to determine which event triggered the other. It was revealed that the building housed two businesses, the Goo Smoke Shop, a tobacco store selling vapes, and Select Distributors, a wholesale outlet for vaping supplies and gases. The building was not authorized to store explosive materials on-site, as confirmed by Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon.
The canisters found at the site contained butane, nitrous oxide, and lighter fluid, measuring up to 18 inches in size and weighing up to 15 pounds each, as per information from Clinton Township’s website. Cannon issued a warning to residents against approaching any discovered canisters, citing the ongoing danger of more explosions occurring.
Amid ongoing questioning, the facility’s owner and employees are cooperating with the investigation, which also involves the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Testimony from witnesses like Korey Gaddis and Kevin Fester shed light on the chaos and devastation caused by the explosions, emphasizing the monumental impact of the incident on the community. Fire Chief Duncan expressed gratitude that more individuals were not harmed by the canisters and highlighted the miraculous circumstances that prevented further casualties.