JACKSON, Mich. — A 38-year-old man sustained severe burns to his face and hands after a butane extraction process led to an explosion and fire early Friday morning at the America Best Motel on Royal Drive in Jackson.
At approximately 12:13 a.m., the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety responded to a fire alarm at the motel. Upon arrival, officers discovered a small fire in the bathroom and the victim, who had suffered extensive burns. The fire was quickly extinguished by emergency responders.
Investigators later determined that the man had been attempting to extract THC from marijuana using butane, a process that involves the use of highly flammable gas. The butane vapors ignited, causing an explosion that led to the fire.
The injured man was transported to Henry Ford Hospital of Jackson, where his condition remains unknown at this time. Two other individuals who were in the room at the time of the incident were not injured.
The incident is currently under investigation, and once complete, it will be forwarded to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for potential review of charges.
Authorities are reminding the public of the dangers associated with using butane in marijuana extraction, which can lead to serious accidents when proper safety protocols are not followed.
The investigation is ongoing.
