Neighbors near Orion Township explosion displaced, unknown when they can return home
Orion Township explosion displaces numerous residents
Eighteen condos suffered damage in an Orion Township condo explosion, leaving those residents displaced just before the holidays. It isn't clear when those people will be able to return to their homes, but the investigation into what exactly led to the blast is expected to take about a month.
ORION TWP, Mich. (FOX 2) - Eighteen units destroyed by the condo explosion in Orion Township left multiple families displaced and neighbors are seeking new shelter for the night on Wednesday.
It has been a challenging 24 hours at Keatington New Town Condos in Orion Township, many neighbors are telling FOX 2. One says she thought her family was okay. But now they've got to leave for the time being.
"It’s scary. It’s scary because something could’ve happened. She was looking out the window when she saw it happen. So I’m glad they’re okay," said Emmelina Carthans.
Carthans was overcome with emotion, and was grateful her sister and niece were spared from Tuesday's explosion. Their home was across the street.
"She did her best to come out and there were some girls that were on the other side of the apartment that they had to help get out," she said.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office says two people were injured and18 units were destroyed, leaving families displaced.
"There were another 12 units that are being questioned for their stability, and we will have investigators and inspectors and everything else out there." said Chief Ryan Allen from the Orion Township Fire Department.
Authorities haven't stated which units those were, but on Wednesday, Carthans learned when she got off of work to check on her family that they were displaced too.
"When I came, there’s a sign on the door saying that it’s condemned, but she had major surgery," she said. "She hasn’t been out. And my niece is special needs. Nobody came and knocked and said ‘hey you can’t be here. It’s not safe.'"
She said the note was put on the garage door and not the front door, which she says would have been helpful. For Wednesday night, her sister and niece will stay with them. She is hoping to get answers soon on when they can return home.
FOX 2 reached out to the township about the condemned units and the timeline for which residents can return. FOX 2 is waiting to hear back. As for the two victims, they're expected to be okay. The fire department says they are "seeing improvements in their health."
The investigation is ongoing, which is expected to take 3–4 weeks before it's completed.
Any victims in need of immediate support, can call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also call the Township at 248-391-0304, ext. 2009.
How to help
Any cash donations can be sent through Love INC of North Oakland County by phone at 248-693-4357 or online at https://loveincofnoc.org/.
All clothing and food locations can be dropped off at Woodside Bible Church, located in Canterbury Village at 2500 Joslyn Road. Residents in need of food can also make use of Woodside’s Village Food Pantry, also located in Canterbury Village at 2325 Joslyn Ct. Contact the pantry at 248-391-1900.
A gofundme has also been set up to help those displaced. You can find it here.