A Michigan home explosion is now part of a suspected arson investigation after police said gas lines appeared to have been cut inside the house.
Livonia police and firefighters responded to the 20000 block of St. Francis Street around 7 p.m. Sunday, June 28, after reports of a residential explosion and fire, according to ClickOnDetroit.
The fire was extinguished, and officers searched the residence but did not find anyone inside. Police later located the 61-year-old homeowner in a neighboring backyard, local reports said.
A damaged, leaking, or intentionally cut line can turn a house into an immediate fire and explosion risk, and residents should leave before trying to investigate the source.
The Explosion Brought Firefighters and Police to a Residential Street
Neighbors told ClickOnDetroit that the block quickly filled with emergency crews after the explosion and fire.
One 911 caller reported significant damage to the home, including holes blown through the roof.
After firefighters put out the fire, officers searched the residence and confirmed no one was inside. Police said further investigation showed the home’s gas lines appeared to have been cut, prompting a suspected arson investigation.
The Case Now Has Two Separate Investigations
Police said the homeowner was later found armed with a handgun in a neighboring backyard. Officers attempted to negotiate with him before an officer fired after police said he raised the handgun toward officers.
Michigan State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting, while Livonia police are investigating the suspected arson connected to the house explosion.
CBS Detroit reported that police identified the homeowner as 61-year-old Roger Zebrowski.
Gas-Leak Warnings Require Immediate Action
The Livonia case remains under investigation, but the gas-line report gives the incident a safety lesson that applies far beyond one Michigan street.
DTE Energy tells customers who smell or suspect a gas leak to leave the area immediately, call 911 from a safe location, and then call the utility’s gas leak hotline.
The utility also says people should warn others to stay away. Homeowners should not try to find the leak, use appliances, ring doorbells, open garage doors, flip light switches, smoke, use phones inside the area, or re-enter until first responders or the utility says it is safe.
Rotten-Egg Odors, Hissing Sounds and Dead Vegetation Need Attention
Natural gas service is common in homes with furnaces, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, dryers, and outdoor fuel lines. A rotten-egg smell, hissing near a gas line, blowing dust, bubbling water, or dead vegetation near outdoor equipment should be treated as an emergency.
Residents should get people and pets out first, move a safe distance away, and make calls only after leaving the affected area.
Homeowners should also know where gas meters and shutoff valves are located, keep access clear for emergency crews, and have fuel-burning equipment inspected by qualified professionals instead of waiting for a smell, sound, or damaged line to reveal a problem.