OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A condo explosion in Orion Township Tuesday night left at least two people hospitalized with serious injuries.
It happened just off Waldon Road between Joslyn and Baldwin Road at around 6 p.m. on Nov. 19, 2024.
When the building exploded, it caused significant damage to other condos surrounding it.
Cause of explosion
Orion Township Fire Chief Ryan Allen said Tuesday night that a gas leak appeared to be to blame.
You can watch the press conferences at the end of the article.
Consumers Energy, however, said they are still looking into it.
“Our priority had been ensuring that everyone involved trying to fight the fire was safe, and once that had been accomplished now, we’ve got our crews ready to work with our assessment team to get in today to do our initial review of potential causes,” said Tracy Wimmer with Consumers Energy.
Residents injured, displaced
Two other people were unaccounted for hours. It turns out, they weren’t home. As of Wednesday morning, two people—a man and a woman in their 70s—are still in critical condition. They are now at Detroit Receiving Hospital because of the severity of their burns.
During a press conference on Tuesday night, Allen said along with two people critically injured, a couple of residents had minor injuries.
Allen said those who lost their home were taken to a local church for shelter.
Neighbors react to explosion
When the explosion first happened, neighbors ran towards it to try to help.
“The lady living in the ranch next to me, we had to dig her out because all the siding from the building has come over here, and part of our roof came off,” said Ross Flore, who witnessed the explosion.
“I started yelling for some people to come over to see if they could help get them out,” said Christina Wise, another neighbor who witnessed the explosion. “Some guys came over, and they pushed up against the door and got the two girls out.”
Ongoing investigation
The fire chief said the investigation can take about a week, and cleanup could take longer.
Consumers Energy is heading to the scene on Wednesday to confirm the cause and source of the explosion. Wimmer said it is crucial to maintain any natural gas appliance in your home.
