Royal Oak Fatal Explosion Timeline Released

Consumers Energy released an interim report today to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as part of the utility company's investigation into the Feb. 27 explosion that killed a Royal Oak man.

The report indicates Consumers' response to the explosion, including steps taken to provide safety and support to area residents. It also includes a summary of procedures not followed in the lead-up to the event, including avoiding overhead and underground facilities and boring near existing gas facilities.

In March, Consumers announced it had taken disciplinary action, including terminations, following the blast that fatally injured 58-year-old Daniel Malczynski.

Sequence of events

• 7:39-8:12 a.m.: Consumers Energy boring support crews (2 crews, 4 people) arrive on Cooper Avenue to begin preparation to install a new gas main along the east side of Cooper Avenue.
• 11:06-11:26 a.m.: Consumers Energy crew (3 people) arrive with boring equipment.
• 1-4:30 p.m.: Below grade boring begins two house south of 4232 Cooper (explosion site).
• 4:30 p.m.: Various crew members report smelling natural gas. Two crew leaders check gas levels in ground near sidewalk. One crew leader knocks on the door at 4232 Cooper and doesn't get a response.
• 4:57 p.m.: Boring crew leader calls Consumers Energy dispatch to report gas leak; dispatch calls gas service worker to respond.
• 4:58 p.m.: Boring crew (3 people) leaves site.
• 5:01-5:03 p.m.: Boring support crews (2 crews, 4 people) leave site.
• 5:03 p.m.: Gas service worker is dispatched.
• 5:07 p.m.: Explosion occurs.
• 5:15 p.m.: Consumers Energy manager arrives on scene.
• 6:36 p.m.: Distribution crew shuts off gas supply to 4232 Cooper Ave.

*The above timeline was provided by Consumers Energy in a April 3 letter to the MPSC. See the attached PDF.

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