CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Officials provided an update on public safety and cleanup efforts after a Macomb County business caught fire, causing rounds of explosions that destroyed the building and killed a teen.
The massive fire started on Monday, March 4, and caused stored containers of combustible gas to continuously explode. The debris field stretched at least a half-mile in every direction, according to officials.
Clinton Township officials held a news conference at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. This live stream has ended.
Township officials are expected to discuss public safety measures, cleanup of the surrounding area, and the improper storage of hazardous materials -- which led to the fire and explosions.
The EPA is now part of the investigation and is looking into what caused the fire, the improper storage issues, and what can be done to compensate businesses and home owners in the area.
“They have started doing walkarounds to find out what they need to do in neighborhoods because they’re gonna start in the neighborhoods. They’re not gonna start on the site. The site is till not ready for anyone to be on it because there are still fires burning underneath all the rubble,” Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said.
A 19-year-old bystander was killed after being struck in the head by a projectile. The teen was more than 1,000 feet away from the burning building when they were killed.
“I cannot give you all the details, but I can tell you this: Our prosecuting attorney has assigned three of his lawyers to Clinton Township to help with this situation. That should give you a clue as to what’s happening,” Cannon said.