In a solemn gathering that brought together Detroit's bravest and those they've saved, Jameliah Hines, a survivor of a catastrophic apartment explosion in Detroit, was able to thank the first responder who helped save her life. Following the March 31 incident that proved fatal for Hines' fiancé and left her with severe burns, Monday's ceremony offered a moment of gratitude amid the tragic aftermath. "I remember your face. Can I give you a hug?" Hines emotionally said to the first responder, as reported by FOX 2 Detroit.
During the ceremony, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and other city officials presented plaques to the emergency crews. Duggan praised their swift action, which saved 13 people, including six children, from a gas leak-induced explosion. "This is something we don't do nearly enough of," Duggan stated, acknowledging the crew's heroics, as WXYZ covered in their report.
First responders reached the scene around 4 a.m. on March 31st, finding an apartment building in ruins from the blast. Despite the treacherous conditions, they managed to rescue multiple residents. Chuck Simms, Detroit's Executive Fire Commissioner, commented on the dedication of the crews, saying, "Today's accommodations are well deserved, but there's no plaque to say what these men and women did on that day," during the recognition ceremony outlined by ClickOnDetroit.
The cause of the explosion, which originated from a gas leak on the first floor of the building, remains under investigation. The aftermath saw the building demolished to ensure public safety, as stated by Councilman Fred Durham. "And we tore that building down, immediately, because we did not want anyone else to be harmed in that incident," Durham explained, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
