Massive Fire and Explosions Rock Clinton Township Business, Killing Bystander

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. - A tragic incident unfolded in Macomb County on Monday night when a large fire engulfed a business near 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway, resulting in a series of explosions and the death of a 19-year-old bystander. The Clinton Township business, shared by Goo and Select Distributors, was found to have been improperly storing combustible gases, according to authorities.

The fire, which started around 9 p.m. on March 4, is believed to have caused the canisters of gases, including butane, nitrous oxide, and lighter fluid, to continuously explode, sending shrapnel flying across a half-mile debris field. The unsuspecting bystander was tragically struck by one of these flying canisters and succumbed to injuries on Tuesday morning.

Investigations have revealed that Goo, a smoke shop selling tobacco and smoking paraphernalia, and Select Distributors, supplying marijuana-related items to the local marijuana industry, are part of the same organization. However, the business owners were accused of acting beyond the approved scope by storing significant amounts of combustible gases. The township officials were unaware of the presence of these canisters during the last inspection in September 2022.

The tragedy has raised questions about the permits granted to Goo. While the business was approved to operate as a retail location with a back room for storage, it was not authorized to store the tremendous quantities of gases that were found on the premises. The building department superintendent, Barry Miller, stated that the amount of gases stored greatly exceeded the allowable quantities.

Authorities emphasized that there would be repercussions for those who acted illegally and endangered lives. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning, but multiple individuals, including the owners of the business, were being questioned. The investigation is ongoing, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisting in determining the cause of the fire.

As of now, it remains unclear what triggered the fire. Chief Tim Duncan of the Clinton Township Fire Department confirmed that explosions continued to occur, but they were expected to be smaller and more contained. While the massive fire was contained by 11 p.m. on Monday, the concern shifted to air quality due to the release of gases. A hazmat team is expected to investigate the scene on Tuesday.

Despite the tragic incident, Chief Duncan assured the public that there was no immediate threat to their safety. Most of the roadways in the affected area have been reopened to traffic, though officials continue to monitor hot spots that could potentially reignite.

The community of Clinton Township mourns the loss of the bystander and awaits further updates from the ongoing investigation, with another news briefing scheduled for later on Tuesday.