CLINTON TWP. (WWJ) — An investigation involving local, state, and federal investigators is ramping up at the site of the fire and explosions in Clinton Township that led to a teenager’s death Monday night.
The site of the blaze at Select Distributors, at 15 Mile Road and Groesbeck Highway, continued to smolder Wednesday afternoon, with the investigation largely remaining on hold, according to WWJ’s Jon Hewett.
Clinton Twp. Fire Chief Tim Duncan told WWJ the department had to handle several “flare-ups” in the midst of the rubble, keeping ATF and other investigators from getting inside the remains of the building.
A Michigan State Police bomb squad remained on site, due to concerns over the explosive nature of Monday night’s chaos. Police are keeping the public away from the site.
While it’s not yet clear what caused the inferno, officials say butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid and more were stored at the facility, potentially illegally.
Debris, shrapnel and canisters of gas were thrown into the air by a continual wave of explosions Monday night, coming down in some cases up to several miles away.
Turner Salter, a 19-year-old Clinton Twp. man, was killed by a flying cannister. Officials say he was about a quarter mile away from the fire when he was hit in the head.
An obituary for Salter says he had a strong faith and was an active member at Faith Baptist Church. Visitation is scheduled for tomorrow, while a funeral will be Friday morning at Faith Baptist Church.
Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon said Tuesday he believes the business should have been storing whatever was at the facility, which was licensed only as a commercial business selling various items including vape pens and knives. He believes the company could potentially face charges.