Michigan industrial fire sends debris flying a mile away, police say

[March 05, 2024]  (Reuters) - Multiple explosions and a blaze at an industrial site north of Detroit sent debris flying as far as a mile (1.6 km) away, police said as they urged people to stay clear of the area.   

Social media images showed bursts of flame and smoke billowing from the site in Michigan's Clinton Township, about 25 miles (40 km) north of Detroit. The blasts echoed in the night as flaming debris appeared to stream into the sky.

"We cannot stress enough the danger," the Clinton police said on Facebook. "Please, please, please stay inside and out of the vicinity. Debris is being projected into the air and coming down as far as a mile away from the explosion."

It was not known what materials were burning, preventing officials from assessing risks to air quality, they added.

Neighbors said the explosions sounded like fireworks and shook the ground nearby, WDIV television news said.

The Detroit Free Press said hundreds of explosions were reported.

Media identified the site as a wholesaler building for a company that specializes in novelty products including vape and paraphernalia related to cannabis product CBD.

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

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