MILFORD (WWJ) -- Multiple Metro Detroit fire crews are on the property of the GM Proving Ground in Milford on Tuesday, following a large explosion and fire.
Officials say a natural gas tank owned by a third party on the property exploded just before 7 a.m. — and, while the investigation is not yet complete, it's suspected that an equipment malfunction is to blame.
Authorities said the blast could be felt nearly five miles away, and three homes in the area were damaged.
However, no injuries were reported.
“We are aware of an incident at the Milford Proving Ground involving one of the oil wells located on GM property that is leased and operated by a third party. Thankfully, no one was injured," GM said in an 11 a.m. statement. "We are aware of reports of potential property damage to the homes adjacent to the well, and we are still investigating. The Milford Proving Ground Response Team, the Brighton Fire Department, and other local agencies quickly responded, and the fire has been contained.”
Speaking with WWJ Newsradio 950 Tuesday morning, Lt. Dan Hanagan of the Green Oak Township Fire Department said his crews, along with several others, were called to the scene.
“There’s probably about eight departments responding for water supply right now," he said. "They have master streams in place, and what they’re doing is, they’re cooling these tanks that they said were on fire.”
The proving grounds, which GM uses to test its cars and trucks, are located off General Motors Road, just south of M-59 on the border of Oakland and Livingston counties.
Milford residents Cody heard the explosion, saying it felt like thunder. "I'm about a mile-and-a-half away from it; I'm down in a pit over her off of Kensington Road. I really didn't think much of it. Got on Facebook, and everybody was saying that their houses were shaking."
Michigan State Police said nearby homes had doors and windows blown out, and items knocked off the walls.
Brighton Area Fire Authority Chief Michael O'Brian said there is currently no concern about the air quality, and there was no need to evacuate area residents.
"Our crews would've taken care of that if they felt it was an issue, and working with the Livingston County HAZMAT and our staff...that's always a priority in making sure people are safe," O'Brian said.
While the fire is now out, O'Brian told WWJ's Jon Hewett that his crews remained on the scene well into the afternoon, spraying down the adjacent gas tanks, to continue cooling them down.
O'Brian said fire crews will work with GM Proving Ground officials over the next couple of days to determine exactly what caused the explosion.