Inkster home explodes Tuesday, woman inside expected to be okay

INKSTER, Mich. (FOX 2) - The Inkster Fire Department said a woman is expected to be okay after her home exploded Tuesday afternoon and the cause is believed to be a gas leak.

A little before 1 p.m., a call about an explosion in Inkster came in for a home on Hickory Street in the city of Inkster, which is just a few blocks west of Inkster Road. According to the fire chief, a woman was inside the home when it exploded but is expected to be okay.

The fire chief told FOX 2 that the explosion is believed to have been caused by a gas leak and that DTE has been called and is on the scene.

Photos from the scene show the front of the house was blown open from the explosion.

Inkster officials said the home would need to be demolished as it is unsafe. 

DTE released a statement about the explosion and said that it was not due to equipment failure:

"DTE Energy was called to the scene of a reported home explosion on Hickory Street in Inkster this afternoon. While the investigation has ruled out DTE Gas equipment as a source of the fire, we will continue to work with local authorities as they examine the incident."

Anyone who detects gas is urged to leave the area immediately and call 911 and then DTE at 1-800-947-5000 (or your local gas provider).

The full statement from DTE is below:

"DTE Energy was called to the scene of a reported home explosion on Hickory Street in Inkster this afternoon. While the investigation has ruled out DTE Gas equipment as a source of the fire, we will continue to work with local authorities as they examine the incident.

 "Safety is our top priority. Gas to the residence has been cut to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. Our team focuses on maintaining the safety and integrity of our system of underground natural gas pipes through a robust program of inspections, maintenance and upgrades. We urge all residents, in any situation, if you smell or suspect a gas leak to leave the area at once, call 911, then call DTE at 800-947-5000 (or your natural gas provider), to report the situation."

Firefighters are investigating a house explosion in Inkster that is believed to have been caused by a gas leak.