DETROIT (WWJ) - A natural gas explosion rocked a neighborhood on Detroit's east side early Tuesday morning after a botched robbery attempt at a vacant credit union building, police believe.
WWJ's Charlie Langton reported live from the scene off Gratiot Ave. near Mack where Detroit police officers along with DTE workers were assessing a heavily damaged commercial building where detectives suspect copper thieves trigged the blast.
"This is a very, very extensive explosion," Langton said. "Sources are telling us that the police are looking for three suspects who they believe broke into the credit union [in an] attempt to steal copper pipes and a water heater, but for whatever reason in their attempt to steal these things, they left the gas line intact and that is apparently what started the explosion."
Southbound Gratiot Avenue is completely blocked off by police and DTE shut down the gas line. Langton reports there is considerable damage to the building, with the front glass windows and doors blown out.
Officers said they could smell gas when they first arrived at the location.
Police are now trying to find the trio allegedly behind the theft and following explosion. It is unknown if any of the suspects were hurt in the blast, but there are currently no reports of injuries.
"It looks like it's safe right now," Langton said. "The three suspects apparently were on video. [Police] are trying to apprehend them at this moment."
The incident remains under investigation at this time. Additional information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.