By Brandon Champion
mlive.com
ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Two people suffered significant injuries after an explosion at an Oakland County condominium building.
Officials from numerous departments responded to the scene in the area of Waldon Road, between Joselyn and Baldwin Roads in Orion Township just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
Most of the fire involved in the explosion had been suppressed and firefighters were using drones to search the structure for victims.
Orion Township Fire Chief Ryan Allen said the likely cause of the explosion was a gas leak, but that had not been confirmed. He didn’t know where it may have originated but expected to have more information on Wednesday.
The explosion at the two-story building could be heard more than a mile away, according to reports on social media. Others at the scene suffered minor injuries, officials said.
Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said many of the displaced people were taken by bus to nearby churches.
DTE and Consumers Energy were on the scene. Consumers released the following statement on Tuesday:
“Earlier this evening we were notified of the explosion in Orion Township and sent crews to the scene immediately. As first responders are still actively battling the fire, we do not have additional information about the cause of the explosion or about the status of anyone in the building. Our crews are on site and will move ahead with their work once first responders have deemed it safe to do so.”
“We are committed to the safety of residents and the community and will continue working closely with public safety officials.”
Crews from Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Independence Township and Oakland Township responded to the scene.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office was among the first to report the explosion.
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