ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Two people were critically hurt and others suffered minor injuries after a large explosion at a condominium complex in Orion Township on Tuesday.
Follow along below for the latest updates.
4 p.m. Wednesday
Officials are holding a news conference to release updated information on the explosion and what they know. They say they are making efforts to bring in equipment for the investigation.
Officials say 18 units at the complex were completely destroyed or need significant inspection to make sure they're habitable. Another 12 that also need to be looked at.
Consumers Energy officials say they have checked their system and found no "abnormalities." They also stressed that they were able to turn the gas off to the affected units in order to help firefighters put the fire out.
The township has also set up a way to contact them for people who need help. You can call 248-391-0304 at ext. 2009 or email Help@oriontownship.org.
1 p.m. Wednesday
Orion Township officials confirmed that there are still no fatalities from the explosion on Tuesday night.
They say multiple residents were affected and displaced due to the home, and people in need are urged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or the Township at 248-391-0304 at ext. 2009.
Any cash donations can be sent through Love INC of North Oakland County by phone at 248-693-4357 or online at loveincofnog.org.
All clothing and food locations can be dropped off at Woodside Bible Church, located in Canterbury Village at 2500 Joslyn Road. Residents in need of food can also make use of Woodside’s Village Food Pantry, also located in Canterbury Village at (2325 Joslyn Court); their phone number is 248-391-1900.
8:45 a.m. Wednesday
Chopper 7 was over the scene of the explosion on Wednesday morning, showing a massive debris field in the condo complex and at least one entire unit exploded. Another unit near the main unit did suffer damage.
Watch the video below
8:30 a.m. Wednesday
Orion Township Fire Chief Ryan Allen spoke to the media on Wednesday morning, saying they were able to put the entire fire out overnight and that allowed the Oakland County Sheriff's Office to secure the scene.
He said they are using resources from the ATF, Consumers Energy and other organizations.
Allen said that they have no updates, and today will be "slow and methodical" as their investigation continues. It will include 3D mapping because of the massive debris field.
He also said they're going to work with Consumers Energy today to confirm that gas line in is safe and secure.
You can watch their update in the video player below
Original story from Tuesday night below
It happened around 7 p.m. at Keatington New Town Association near Baldwin and Waldon roads.
Two people were unaccounted for but have since been found, officials said Tuesday night. They were not home when the explosion happened.
Fire Chief Ryan Allen and Township Supervisor Chris Barnett provide an update in the video player below:
Orion Township Fire Chief Ryan Allen said victims were “transported rapidly to the hospital.”
Investigators believe one building in the complex exploded and caused a massive fire and damage to multiple units. It is being called a potential gas explosion. The cause has not yet been confirmed.
“At this time, initial reports say that it's possibly or probably a gas leak that caused an explosion,” Allen said.
People were asked to avoid the area.
7 News Detroit reporter Brett Kast reports live from the scene below:
"We hate when these things happen, but this is what our team trains for," Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said. "We've had a similar experience like this a few years ago, so we're prepared to handle this situation and we're so grateful for the support of our surrounding community departments and the outpouring support of the greater community looking to help these people."
Waldon Road closed between Joslyn and Baldwin roads in both directions. Some buildings nearby were checked by officials and deemed safe, according to the fire chief.
Watch video from near the explosion below:
(Ring Video credit: Lakeshia Berry)
Authorities continued to assess the area late Tuesday night as some parts were not deemed safe for crews to search.
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy helped officials at the scene and used gas detectors.
"It's been a lot of work, a lot of good teamwork with a lot of good departments. We can't thank the crews that we have enough at this point in time," Allen said. "Fortunately at this point in time, we can say there was nobody trapped in the structure. We have been able to account for everybody, so it's the two critical people that our thoughts are with for the night."
Nearby churches opened their doors for those who have been displaced. Residents were urged to go to Woodside Bible Church if they need assistance.
Watch drone video from above the scene below:
"The big boom. It shook my whole house. My cats went running. I mean, it blinded me. I could feel heart," Barbara English, who lives in the complex, said.
There were reports of people hearing the explosion from both near and far.
"I felt this giant explosion. Stuff comes flying off the wall. All my medicine cabinet just piles off. First thing you think to yourself is what happened, I don't know what happened, I gotta get out just in case," resident Jason Detring.
Damage in the area appears extensive.
Hear an earlier update from the fire chief in the video player below:
"The condo building next to it is blown to pieces. There's doors across the road, there's glass everywhere," resident Stacy Dean said.
People in the area came together to help one another.
"It shook the neighborhood. Most of the windows around here are busted out. But it shook the whole building and I'm... maybe 200 yards maybe 250 (yards away)," resident Jake Kyle said. "There was an elderly lady there, so me and a couple others ran over, grabbed her and then we heard the hissing from the gas... and so we got her out across the street and then everybody showed up."
Community members came to the area with food and water for those involved. Officials are planning longer-term relief plans.
Crews remained at the scene overnight to monitor the situation and make sure fires don't flare up.
Allen said "the crews seem to be in good spirits" and the response "was a success for everybody that was involved."
An investigation is set to start Wednesday morning, the fire chief said.
At least 10 agencies responded to the scene to assist.
