Gas explosion cause is still a mystery

By Charles Sercombe

Fire investigators are still searching for an answer to a major gas explosion at a Jos. Campau business two weeks ago.

Fire Chief Steve Paruk said the fire marshal and insurance investigators are still looking for clues at the scene. One building was nearly destroyed in the gas blast, which occurred at 11431 Jos. Campau at 2 a.m. on April 1.

Amazingly, no one was injured even though there was a tenant in the rear apartment of the building that was ripped apart. Four other businesses were damaged.

The blast was of such a great force that the front window was blown across Jos. Campau, deep into the former Clock restaurant parking lot.

Paruk said one thing has definitely been ruled out: no one had illegally hooked up a gas connection.

Paruk said he is confident that a cause will be found sooner or later.

In the meantime, the explosion frayed the nerves of some residents. On the Internet social media network Facebook, a number of Hamtramck residents wondered if the city’s old infrastructure is to blame and whether any house could possibly blow up at any time.

Paruk said there is nothing to worry about. He said this incident is an isolated one that will be explained.