Multiple explosions reported in Clinton Township caused by wholesaler on 15 Mile

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) - A wholesaler building on 15 Mile near Groesbeck Highway exploded Monday night, causing several surrounding buildings to catch fire.

UPDATE: Blasts send chunks of metal in all directions

The explosions began around 9 p.m. in Clinton Township. The public is being asked to avoid the area. 

Select Distributors was the cause of the fire, according to preliminary information from police; it sells nitrogen tanks – which exploded rapidly.

One firefighter is in the hospital after suffering minor injuries caused by shrapnel falling. Other injuries remain unknown at this time.

Many nearby residents, and even those as far away as Mount Clemens and Sterling Heights, reported hearing the loud and consecutive explosions, causing their houses to shake. 

Air quality issues are a major concern right now, with debris falling over the surrounding area. Those nearby are being advised to "stay far away and in their homes as ashes (are) blowing," said Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon.

The air quality of the affected cities will be tested Tuesday morning, Cannon said. 

Fire and smoke can be seen from miles away.

First responders are still at the scene, attempting to extinguish the fire. Police are directing traffic. 

As of 11 p.m., the fire is dying down. 

Christian, a witness, told FOX 2 that many people on 15 and 16 Mile began running after initially hearing the explosions. 

"Just seeing multiple explosions like flames going up in the air, ashes everywhere. Just flames going in the road – damn near getting everybody, hitting the roads," Christian said. "My ears are literally ringing because of the popping. It was absurd. It was crazy loud… I (along with others) just bailed on foot because I didn't know what was going to happen."

Shrapnel fell into residents' backyards after the explosions. One man said a piece of a canister almost struck him as it fell from the sky. 

DTE crews are shutting power down in the direct area along Groesbeck Highway, possibly to prevent any further damage.

"We have our public safety as well as other public safety departments helping us with the issue," Cannon said.

Meanwhile, the Sterling Heights' 911 line has been down for about an hour after the explosions.

Select Distributors LLC is a wholesale supplier of vapes, CBD products, hookahs, lighters, and more, according to its website.

The incident remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 2 for further details.