A quiet afternoon yesterday on Detroit's west side turned chaotic when a car smashed into a home near Puritan and Southfield, hitting the house's gas meter and setting the place on fire. The crash happened just before 4 p.m. in the 16100 block of Oakfield Street, and three people inside the home said they heard a loud boom and ran out, making it to safety.
Firefighters quickly moved in and got the flames under control. The driver walked away with only minor injuries, and crews stayed on scene as they waited for DTE Energy to arrive and shut off gas service.
What responders found
According to The Metro Detroit News, fire crews pulled up to find flames coming from the house after the impact and worked to knock down the blaze. The outlet reports that the car had slammed into a gas meter, which likely helped trigger the fire, and emergency teams kept the area secured while utility crews were called in.
Why crews waited for DTE
DTE Energy is responsible for gas mains and the service line running to a meter, and its safety guidance stresses that damaged meters or piping are serious hazards that should be handled by trained utility technicians, not bystanders or homeowners. As noted by DTE Energy, residents are urged to call 911 first if there is immediate danger, then report any gas emergency so crews can safely shut off service and check for additional risks.
Similar crashes have sparked fires recently
This is not the only recent crash that turned into a house fire in Detroit. Earlier this month, WXYZ reported on a stolen truck that plowed into a home and ignited, a reminder of how fast a routine collision can escalate when it involves a building or utility equipment. Incidents like these highlight the danger when vehicles leave the roadway and slam into gas meters, porches, or walls.
Safety steps for residents
If you smell gas or think a meter has been damaged after a crash or other impact, get out of the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location. After that, report the problem to the utility so trained crews can shut off service and inspect the gas lines. DTE Energy lists emergency instructions and a gas emergency number on its website so residents know how to get help fast.
Investigators have not released further details about the driver, how the crash happened, or whether any charges could be filed. Officials are expected to share more information once the scene is fully cleared and the gas supply is confirmed secure.
