Bystander Dead, Firefighter Hurt In Massive Michigan Explosion, Fire: Officials

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — One person was killed and another person was injured after a massive industrial building exploded Monday night in Clinton Township, according to officials.

A firefighter and a 19-year-old bystander were each hit by a flying projectile after the Select Distributors facility, located at 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway, exploded and became engulfed in flames at 9 p.m., according to officials.

The 19-year-old, who was roughly a quarter-mile from the scene, was killed, while the firefighter suffered minor injuries battling the fire, according to officials.

There were also four people inside the building when the fire started, but they all made it out safely, according to officials.

Video posted to social media showed huge plumes of smoke and loud exploding sounds coming from the blaze.

Firefighters on Tuesday morning were still battling the blaze that sent multiple "exploding projectile canisters" flying in all directions from the building, according to officials.

An exploding canister also struck a police vehicle and a fire department vehicle, damaging both vehicles, according to officials.

Multiple homes and businesses were evacuated Monday night as exploding debris and shrapnel flew as far as a half mile to a mile in all directions, according to officials.

Residents as far away as Mount Clemens and Sterling Heights could hear the explosions and feel their homes shaking, according to officials.

Fire officials do not know exactly what objects were exploding at the distribution facility, though they did say the facility "operated as a novelty supply company known to stock combustible materials."

The company is a wholesale supplier of vapes, CBD products, hookahs, lighters and more, according to the Select Distributors website.

Fire officials urged people to stay away from the area as crews continue cleaning up the debris Tuesday morning. They also urged people to avoid touching a canister if they see one.

Officials were still trying to determine what caused the explosion.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the CTPD.

Anyone with further questions can contact the Clinton Township Police Department at 586-493-7800.