SOUTHGATE, Mich. – A woman has died and a man is severely injured in a house explosion in Southgate early Thursday morning.
Firefighters and police responded to the area of Edison and Burns Street at around 5:45 a.m. on April 3 for a report of a house explosion.
When they arrived, they saw a home engulfed in flames with debris surrounding the home. There was also another home on fire from the explosion. The impact also caused some homes’ windows to break.
What we know about victims injured, killed
A 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were injured in the explosion.
According to authorities, the man was blown out of the house and had extensive burns. He was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital for treatment.
The woman was found later trapped under the rubble in the fire. She was rescued and was also taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital. Authorities said she also had extensive burns and trauma to her leg.
She later died from her injuries, according to police.
An elderly couple was living at the home next door that caught fire. Authorities said the woman fell over and hit her head but refused treatment from first responders.
Cause of explosion
The cause of the explosion is not known at this time. However, authorities at the scene said they are investigating it as a gas-related incident.
“DTE’s natural gas pipeline, meter and all other DTE equipment serving the Southgate home was tested and found to be in safe working condition and not the cause of Thursday’s incident.
Local authorities continue to investigate potential causes of the tragic event.
Our hearts go out to the injured as well as the loved ones of the woman in the Southgate home who succumbed to her injuries earlier today.
DTE urges everyone to learn the steps they should take to help ensure the safe use of natural gas in their homes and understand their role in keeping natural gas safe.
Interior pipes and appliances are owned and maintained by the homeowner. Even though leaks caused by equipment in the home are a customer’s responsibility, always alert DTE. Anyone who smells or suspects a natural gas leak should call 911 and then DTE’s leak hotline at 800-947-5000.
DTE will help determine if a leak is present, identify the corrective action for the owner to take, and if necessary, shut off service as a safety precaution. Learn more at dteenergy.com/gassafety."
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