DETROIT (WWJ) The city of Detroit is still without answers, following an extraordinary building collapse that's being blamed on a possible underground explosion.
The Department of Public Works has closed several roads near Dearborn and Fort streets after the road suddenly buckled beneath a marijuana dispensary on Saturday, affecting nearby gas and electric lines.
The owners of Stash Detroit said they noticed the building was having some structural issues, and then smelled gas.
Dearborn Street was eventually "pushed up" some eight to ten feet.
A message posted by the Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition says there was an explosion on Saturday night, and then the city of Detroit initially said there was a water main break.
In a statement, DTE Energy said there is no evidence to indicate natural gas was the cause of the incident, and the utility said a natural gas explosion did not occur.
The utility also added that "parts of DTE's gas and electric infrastructure were impacted by a water main break," and that "DTE personnel are on site to ensure public safety as well as the integrity of the natural gas and electric infrastructure systems."
What caused all of this is still a mystery, according to Hakim Berry, Chief Operating Officer for Detroit.
"We've talked to a lot of experts and they all have said they've never seen anything like this," Barry told WWJ's Jon Hewett. "So is it very intriguing to us, and we can't wait to get in there to see what caused this."
Berry said the first priority now is for DTE to seal a gas main leak in the area. Then Stash Detroit — which has been deemed structural loss — can be demolished.
After that's complete, the excavation can begin to determine a cause.
Residents, meanwhile, are being asked to stay way from areas that are blocked by police, fire and utility crews.
Authorities are also asking residents to call 911 and leave the area immediately if they smell or suspect a gas leak.
No injuries have been reported.
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