HARPER WOODS, Mich. – Michigan State Police troopers said a house explosion that injured three people in Harper Woods was caused by a gas leak after someone broke into the vacant home to steal the furnace.
The explosion happened Friday morning on Lennon Street near I-94 and Vernier Road and leveled the house.
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Neighbors told Local 4 that the explosion felt like a bomb went off. The impact was felt in homes and businesses blocks away, with some business windows being blown out.
Insulation and parts of the roof litter neighbors' backyards.
"The house is right over there. My garage is going to have to be replaced," neighbor David Smith said.
Three people were injured in the explosion.
The victims, a 66-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman, were walking up to the home and opened the front door when the explosion pushed them into the front yard. They are both listed in critical condition.
The house was going to be appraised for an impending sale, according to officials. Police said two appraisers walked in, let in oxygen and the pilot light ignited gas.
A Harper Woods resident who lived near the home was also injured in the blast. The 36-year-old man was able to leave his home and seek help. He was taken to a hospital, treated and released.
Harper Woods police are taking over the investigation of the suspects who broke into the home, MSP said.
DTE investigated and released the following statement:
"DTE records indicate that there were no leak reports from the neighborhood before the incident.
After the incident, DTE's investigators surveyed the area and found no leaks. DTE pressure tested the existing gas lines and found no leaks. Both the main and service lines were confirmed to be operating properly and within specified pressure."
Police are investigating.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Sources: House explodes on Lennon Street in Harper Woods
READ: 2 in critical condition after house explodes in Harper Woods