Industrial fire and multiple explosions shoot debris into the air in Detroit suburb
By The Associated Press on March 4, 2024.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) – Police warned people to stay away as an industrial fire with multiple explosions shook a northern Detroit suburb on Monday night. The Clinton Township Police Department said on Facebook that an industrial fire burning near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway and that debris projected into the air was coming down as far as a mile (1.6 kilometers) away. Police said they didn’t know exactly what was burning and because of that didn’t know what effects the smoke and air would have on people. “We can not stress enough the danger that is happening right now,” one police post said. “Please, please, please stay inside and out of the vicinity.” News helicopter videos showed a massive, bright orange area of fire with bursts of flames within the blaze that looked like explosions. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel told WDIV-TV late Monday that the explosions started around 9 p.m. at the Select Distributors plant and that Clinton Township officers and firefighters immediately responded. “They understand some type of CO2 or propane explosions were taking place at the facility, and again, it was just continuous explosions, as well as the fire,” Hackel said. After 11 p.m., he told the news outlet that the fire had been contained. “Their concern right now is – obviously they’re taming the fire, but now, what’s going on with that air quality?” Hackel said. “We have a HAZMAT unit that’s out trying to test the air quality so we can get further updates.” It wasn’t immediately known if anyone was injured. Select Distributors is a wholesale supplier of novelties, phone accessories and other merchandise to discount stores, dollar stores, wholesalers and other stores, according to its website. The business didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. 13-12
