An apparent underground explosion significantly damages Detroit dispensary, officials investigating strange odors

DETROIT – The City of Detroit, the Great Lakes Water Authority and DTE Energy are investigating an incident that occurred in southwest Detroit on Saturday night.

Read: The cause of the “strong odor” in southwestern Detroit is being investigated

A strong odor is being investigated on Sunday after an apparent underground explosion. The terrain has been changed and cracked at Fort and Dearborn Streets, near Woodmere Cemetery.

The Detroit Department of Public Works closed parts of several streets in the area until further notice. City officials said the incident was caused by “underground problems.”

The Public Works Department is working with DTE and the Great Lakes Water Authority to determine the cause of the land change. Teams from the Detroit Fire Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Management and more local and federal agencies help with the investigation.

Announcements

Residents are asked to be careful and report any strong odors.

DTE Energy said natural gas is not to blame and there is no evidence of a natural gas explosion.

The apparent underground eruption happened Saturday night. The incident left a nearby dispensary with significant structural damage. Those inside the store at the time had no idea what was going on.

“The team was inside and we basically realized the building was starting to change,” said Ashley Babcock, with the Stash Detroit Medical Marijuana Dispensary. “It was time to evacuate the building, so staff were evacuated.”

Even with the culmination of his hard work literally collapsing, management plans to move forward as the investigation continues.

“The building is not in good condition, so it’s definitely our concern,” Babcock said. “We will not let it destroy us. We will not let it make us fall. We will simply continue to take steps, move forward and get everything back together. ”

Announcements

The Detroit fire commissioner has identified an emergency contractor to demolish a building in the area that was badly damaged.

Anyone who smells gas or has a strong odor in the area should call the EGLE Contamination Emergency Response Hotline at 800-292-4706.

Month: Detroit News