Massive early morning gas explosion in Melvindale forces evacuations

MELVINDALE, Mich. (WJBK) - A gas line at Allen Road and Elizabeth exploded in the early morning hours of Saturday.

An evacuation of the area began shortly after the explosion sometime just before 3 a.m. The explosion could be heard well into the south end of the Dearborn border.

According to DTE, a driver went through a fence and hit a large natural gas main, causing the explosion and injuring the driver. The driver of that vehicle was taken to Beaumont Dearborn 

On the city of Melvindale's Facebook page an official said that  residents who live in the area are being evacuated.

At 4:30 a.m. orange flickers of flame could be seen halfway to Oakwood from the explosion scene with smoke.

DTE posted a statement about the incident: "Authorities have extinguished the primary fire at a DTE Energy training facility in Melvindale that resulted from a car that traveled through a fence and struck a large natural gas main. 

"DTE was notified at 3:03 a.m. today and was on scene 10 minutes later. DTE crews turned off the valve to the gas line and authorities are now focusing on another residual fire that started after the gas main was struck by the car. 

"To ensure the safety of the community in the surrounding area, Melvindale police are evacuating residents in the area of Elizabeth and Allan roads. One person was  injured in the car that struck the gas main and was taken to a nearby hospital. 

The safety of DTE customers and employees is the company's top priority."

Police cars worked to clear spectators from side streets while multiple DTE trucks with workers could be seen around the area.

Northbound Allen Road was closed by police at Oakwood as officers directed traffic. Spectators gathered on corners with their phones while police cars went block by block in extending a perimeter around the scene.

Stay with FOX 2 for more information as it becomes available.

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