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.
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 in the building 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:
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.
