DETROIT, MICH. — A violent explosion followed by a raging fire left at least a dozen people injured, including six children, early Monday morning at a two-story apartment building in Detroit. Fire officials reported the blast occurred around 4 a.m., with firefighters rushing to the scene as chaos unfolded.
Upon their arrival, emergency responders were confronted with people trapped in windows of the building, some hanging precariously, seemingly ready to jump. Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms praised the swift actions of the firefighters, noting, “Without their fast response and fast thinking, this could have been a lot worse.”
Three individuals, who were located in the same apartment, sustained critical burns in the explosion. Their injuries were among the most severe, with the fire department indicating that they required immediate medical attention. Other victims, including a family of three, were among those rescued from the building.
Ashley Ridner, who was rescued alongside her boyfriend and their 5-month-old son, described the terrifying moment of the explosion. “It sounded like a bomb,” Ridner told reporters. She explained that she was injured while trying to escape through a window, with her feet suffering injuries. Her boyfriend also sustained an arm injury during the escape.
The apartment complex, which contained a total of 12 units, was divided into two sections—one with eight apartments and the other with four. The explosion appeared to have originated from the section housing the eight apartments. The fire department confirmed that a firewall had separated the two sections, likely helping prevent further damage.
In a bid to ensure safety and assist with the investigation, thermal imaging drones were deployed overhead to confirm the building was empty once the fire was extinguished. Authorities began the demolition of the building later that day to assist investigators in determining the exact cause of the explosion.
While the cause remains under investigation, the rapid response of emergency personnel and the use of advanced technology in the aftermath have been credited with preventing further casualties. As of now, the condition of the injured, including the children, remains a priority for medical teams, and the community continues to await more information.
The explosion has left many residents and local authorities grappling with the shocking nature of the event, as they work to uncover what caused the devastating blast.
