CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN – An explosion at a petroleum pumping station in Cass County resulted in one fatality on Monday. The incident, which occurred in the 19,000 block of Bulhand Road in Calvin Township, led to the death of 71-year-old Charles Lawrence of Lakefort, Michigan. Another individual, 38-year-old Kevin Lawrence of Osceola, Indiana, sustained minor injuries during the explosion.
According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, the explosion was reported by nearby residents who heard a loud blast that shook their homes. The investigation revealed that the explosion and subsequent fire were caused when two men were working on a tank at the pumping station. Trak Oil company, based in Port Huron, owns the affected facility.
In response to the incident, various emergency services and authorities were dispatched to the scene, including the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Additionally, the Penn Township Fire Department, Cass Area Fire Department, Elkhart Fire Department, SEPSA Ambulance, and SMACS Ambulance also provided support at the site.
The tragic event has prompted an official investigation by relevant authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and assess any potential environmental impact. The safety protocols and practices at the pumping station will likely be scrutinized as part of this process.
Given the gravity of the situation, the community is left mourning the loss of Charles Lawrence while hoping for a speedy recovery for Kevin Lawrence. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with working in the petroleum industry, and emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures and ongoing vigilance in such environments.