Vacant Detroit house explosion result of natural gas leak. DTE started service that day - Detroit Free Press

The house explosion on the 19000 block of Forrer Street on Nov. 13 is confirmed to be a natural gas leak inside the home, according to the Detroit Fire Department on Nov. 14. DTE Gas was on site at the home on Forrer street Thursday morning to start natural gas service, according to a statement by DTE Energy sent to the Free Press on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6:53 p.m. "DTE’s natural gas pipeline, meter and all other DTE equipment serving the Detroit home was tested and found to be in safe working condition and not the cause of Thursday’s incident," according to a statement from DTE Energy on Friday, Nov. 14. Interior pipes and appliances are owned and maintained by homeowners, according to the Friday statement. "Even though leaks caused by equipment in the home are a customer’s responsibility, always alert DTE," according to the DTE Energy statement. "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." The explosion flattened the west of the house on Thursday, Nov. 13. No one was inside the residence when it exploded and there were no injuries, according to the Detroit Fire Department on Thursday, Nov. 13. Neighbors told investigators the house had been vacant for about two years, the Detroit Fire Chief Reginald Harper said in a video sent to the Free Press by the Detroit Fire Department. "One of the neighbors complained about the sound of gas leaking," he said in the video yesterday. Anyone who smells or suspects a natural gas leak should call 911 and then DTE’s leak hotline at 800-947-5000, according to the DTE Energy statement. More information is available at dteenergy.com/gassafety. "Safety is DTE’s top priority, and we urge everyone to learn the steps they should take to help ensure the safe use of natural gas in their homes and understand their role in keeping natural gas safe," according to the statement. Contact Natalie Davies at ndavies@freepress.com.