INKSTER (WWJ) - A house explosion in Wayne County has injured one man and a DTE employee working nearby on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
DTE Energy released a statement about the incident, which occurred at a home around 10 a.m. in the 26000 block of Penn Street in Inkster, near Dearborn Heights.
"We understand an individual has been transported to a local hospital, and our thoughts and prayers are with them," company officials said. "The cause of the incident is unknown at this time, and we are working with local authorities to investigate."
"Safety is our top priority, and our crews are working with first responders to ensure safety in the area," the company added.
Police and fire crews were at the scene. Inkster Fire Chief Chuck Hubbard said by the time fire fighters arrived, the home was completely consumed by fire.
Neighbors told WDIV that they heard a "boom" before thick smoke and sirens filled the air.
Hubbard briefed reporters at the scene and said a man was inside the home at the time of the explosion, but when crews arrived, he was believed to have been helped out onto the lawn.
According to neighbors, the man appeared badly burned and was rushed to a local hospital. The severity of his injuries or his condition was not released by authorities.
The DTE worker was said to have sustained a minor injury
According to Hubbard, fire crews were able to extinguished the blaze very quickly and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes. One home nearby had minor damage from the explosion.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but Hubbard said officials will investigate once the hot spots are completely out. The home is considered a total loss and will be demolished, the chief added.
DTE said in their statement that the company's focus remains on maintaining the "safety and integrity of our system of underground natural gas pipes through a robust program of inspections, maintenance, and upgrades," although it is unknown if this was the cause."
"As always, we urge anyone who may smell or suspect a gas leak to call 911, then contact DTE at 800-947-5000 (or your natural gas provider)," DTE stated.
