CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A devastating fire broke out on March 4 at Goo and Select Distributors, leading to a series of explosions in Macomb County that continued throughout the night. The fire triggered blasts of combustible materials, causing chaos and destruction in the area.
Authorities have identified the cause of the explosions as canisters of butane, nitrous oxide, and lighter fluid stored within the building. The intense heat from the fire ignited the containers and gases, resulting in a chain reaction of explosions that sent debris flying up to two miles away from the site. Tragically, a teenager standing just 1,500 feet from the building lost his life after being struck by debris from the explosions.
Nearly three weeks after the incident, the remnants of the building remain untouched, leaving the community in suspense as they await updates on the investigation. Typically, investigators would have been on-site within days of the fire, but there has been no sign of them even after two weeks, with their presence not expected for another two weeks.
With the situation now under control, the site appears frozen in time, with police tape fluttering in the wind and neighboring businesses closed. Specialized security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the area, including a specialized dumpster to contain any remaining explosive canisters.
City, state, and federal investigators, along with insurance company inspectors, are scheduled to converge on the site on April 3-4 to uncover the cause of the tragic incident. The goal is to have all parties involved in the investigation at the site simultaneously to ensure a thorough and coordinated effort to determine what went wrong.
Hundreds of onlookers witnessed the fiery spectacle on March 4, including Turner Lee Salter, a young man who lost his life in the aftermath. Community members and local organizations have rallied around Turner’s family, offering support and condolences as they navigate this difficult time.
The damages from the fire are estimated to be in the millions of dollars, prompting city officials to seek reimbursement for all expenses incurred during the ordeal. As the investigation progresses, the community remains on edge, hoping for answers and closure in the wake of this tragic event.