Authorities in Oakland County, Michigan, are investigating an explosion that occurred last night at Keatington New Town Condominiums in Orion Township. The blast, which is suspected to be caused by a gas leak, resulted in critical injuries to two elderly individuals and left many residents homeless. According to CBS News Detroit, the explosion was reported at around 6:30 p.m. and led to the destruction of a four-unit building within the complex.
Shortly following the incident, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office confirmed that two people, a 72-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman, were hospitalized with critical injuries. While two individuals were unaccounted for initially, they were later found safe, revealed by a neighbor, Scully Hirsack, who was shaken by the incident, told FOX 2 Detroit, "I was on the computer and there was a shockwave. The screen popped out at me and everything came off the walls," he said. Approximately 20 people have been displaced due to the explosion.
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett described the extent of the damage as "insane," noting that the force of the explosion had caused at least 15 condo units to be evacuated, with windows blown out and one unit knocked off its foundation. In a statement obtained by the Detroit Free Press, Barnett expressed relief that "we’re thankful that more people weren’t seriously hurt." It was stated that "It looks like something in a movie," he said, as the site saw a fire burning under debris.
Utility companies DTE and Consumers Energy worked with emergency crews to manage the gas leak following the explosion. The companies have stated their commitment to the safety of the residents and community as the investigation continues. Posted last night by a spokesperson, "As first responders are still actively battling the fire, we do not have additional information about the cause of the explosion or about the status of anyone in the building," FOX 2 Detroit reported the statement from Consumers Energy. Their crews will initiate their response once it is deemed safe.
Orion Township, located just north of Detroit, has been urged by authorities to steer clear of the area as the investigation and clearing operation persists. The exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined, with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office's preliminary indications suggesting a gas explosion. Further details are pending as officials and utility providers investigate the sequence of events that led to this incident.
