Detroit apartment building blast caused by gas leak; 3 still in critical condition

Max Reinhart, The Detroit News on Apr 1, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

DETROIT — Investigators determined a gas leak caused an explosion early Monday at an apartment building on the city's east side that injured 13 people, three of whom remained in critical condition Tuesday.

Corey McIsaac, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Fire Department, said two adults remained in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital on Tuesday, while a 3-year-old girl was under treatment for burns at Children's Hospital of Michigan.

A total of 13 people, seven adults and six children, initially were rescued and taken to a hospital, authorities said Monday. Ten other victims were treated and released.

Firefighters were called to the building, in the 13900 block of Littlefield Street, on the corner of Schoolcraft Road near Interstate 96, at about 4 a.m. Monday.

McIsaac said a gas leak that originated on the first floor led to the explosion. She said investigators are still working to determine the source of the leak.

DTE Energy officials were at the scene Monday and determined the natural gas pipeline and meter for the building were in "safe working condition."

"Interior pipes and appliances are owned and maintained by the building owner or occupants," said Chris Lamphear, DTE manager of corporate communications, in a statement. "Even though interior gas leaks are the responsibility of building owners and occupants, anyone who smells or suspects a natural gas leak should call 911 and then DTE’s leak hotline at 800-947-5000. DTE will help determine if a leak is present, identify the corrective action for the owner to take, and if necessary, shut off service as a safety precaution."

Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal II said his office has been in contact with many of the families' affected by the blast, working with them on temporary and permanent housing.

"Those are folks’ homes and those are folks’ families," he said. "... Some people are still being treated."

________