Authorities are probing a fire at a Michigan vaping supplies distributor in Clinton Township, which erupted Monday night, revealing the illegal storage of canisters containing butane and other hazardous materials. The blaze tragically resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man hit by flying debris and injured a firefighter amid explosions.
Clinton Township Supervisor, Robert Cannon, addressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “They were illegally in that building,” highlighting the unauthorized possession of highly flammable canisters at Goo LLC, the business implicated in the incident.
In detailing the investigation’s findings, a news release from the township specified, “Among other items, were containers of butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, and vape pens…weighing 10 to 15 pounds.” This discovery pointed to significant regulatory oversights and safety concerns at the facility.
The aftermath of the fire has put the community on high alert, with the township declaring a state of emergency. Clinton Township Emergency Management Coordinator, Paul Brouwer, commented on the ongoing risks, noting, “There are still some debris piles that are smoking with occasional canisters exploding.”
Reflecting on the inspection conducted in September 2022, Barry Miller, Clinton Township building superintendent, revealed, “We were aware of vape pens, but found no canisters,” indicating a lapse in maintaining the facility’s safety standards.
The community is grappling with the repercussions of the disaster. Fire Chief Tim Duncan conveyed the widespread impact, saying, “You’ll see… some of these products where the actual top is blown off and the canister went up like a missile.”
The incident has cast a spotlight on the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the catastrophic consequences of negligence. Authorities continue their investigation, urging the public to maintain a safe distance from the affected area as they work towards a resolution.
