OAKLAND COUNTY, Michigan. – An explosion at an apartment in Orion County Tuesday night sent at least two people to the hospital with serious injuries.

it just happened Waldon Road between Joslyn and Baldwin Road Around 6pm on November 19, 2024.

The explosion of the building caused serious damage to other apartment buildings in the surrounding area.

cause of explosion

Orion County Fire Chief Ryan Allen said Tuesday night that a gas leak was to blame for the incident.

You can watch the press conferences at the end of the article.

However, Consumers Energy said they were still investigating the matter.

“Our priority was to ensure that everyone trying to fight the fire was safe and now that this has been completed we have our crews ready to work with our assessment team to conduct our initial investigation into potential causes,” said Tracy Wimmer of Consumers Energy.

Citizens injured, displaced

The other two people could not be reached for hours. It turned out they weren’t at home. As of Wednesday morning, two people, a man and a woman in their 70s, remain in critical condition. They are currently at Detroit Receiving Hospital due to the severity of their burns.

In a news conference Tuesday night, Allen said that in addition to the two people who were seriously injured, several residents also suffered minor injuries.

Those who lost their homes were taken to a local church for shelter, Allen said.

Neighbors reacted to the explosion

When the explosion first occurred, people around rushed to help.

“We had to dig out the lady who lives on the farm next to me because all the siding on the building came in here and part of our roof blew off,” said Ross Flore, who witnessed the explosion.

“I started yelling at some people to come see if they could help get them out,” said Christina Wise, another neighbor who witnessed the explosion. “Some men came and pushed the door and took the two girls out.”

ongoing investigation

The fire chief said the investigation could take about a week and cleanup could take longer.

Consumers Energy will travel to the scene on Wednesday to confirm the cause and source of the explosion. Wimmer said it’s very important to maintain any natural gas appliance in your home.

Press conferences, previous news