Jonathan Dale Benton|Explosions at petroleum refinery leads to evacuations near Detroit

2025-05-04 06:09:51source:Ethermac Exchangecategory:Finance

WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP,Jonathan Dale Benton Mich. (AP) — Explosions at a petroleum refinery outside Detroit caused a fire and led to the evacuation of some nearby residents, authorities said.

The first explosion occurred shortly after 10 p.m. Friday in White Lake Township, local news outlets reported. A second explosion minutes later sent flames higher than trees and created a large plume of black smoke that could be seen for miles, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Fewer than 100 residents near the site of the explosion and fire were evacuated, White Lake Police said. Four fire departments responded to the scene.

Laun Dearman, who lives less than half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from the refinery, said he and his wife saw the billowing smoke and flames.

Other news In the US, Hmong ‘new year’ recalls ancestral spirits while teaching traditions to new generations6-year-old Mississippi girl honored for rescue efforts after her mother had a stroke while drivingTackling climate change and alleviating hunger: States recycle and donate food headed to landfills

It wasn’t clear who owned the refinery or what caused the explosions.

“It’s a small, portable rig. They’ve been drilling for oil for close to a year now,” Dearman said.

Police told WXYZ-TV that vents and canisters that regulate air flow to an underground gas line exploded.

No injuries were reported.

White Lake Township Police posted on Facebook before midnight that “the incident has been resolved and the roadway is once again open. The area has also been cleared safe for everyone to return to their homes.”

More:Finance

Recommend

This week on "Sunday Morning" (December 15)

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Settlement could cost NCAA nearly $3 billion; plan to pay athletes would need federal protection

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The NCAA and major college conferences are considering a possible settlemen

You Won't Be Able to Unsee Ryan Gosling's La La Land Confession

Ryan Gosling wishes he could go back to the city of stars.When the Barbie actor was asked if there's