Crime & Safety
Vacant Bank Explodes After Burglars Cut Gas Line: Detroit PD
Police said a group of thieves left a gas line on inside the vacant building while trying to the steal copper lines and a hot water tank.
DETROIT — A former Detroit credit union exploded Monday night after a group of thieves tried to steal copper lines and a hot water tank, according to Detroit Police.
Police said three people broke into the vacant financial building at Mack and Gratiot avenues and left the gas line on while trying to steal the copper and the hot water tank.
The building later exploded due to the buildup of natural gas, police said.
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It was unclear if any of the suspected thieves were injured in the blast, as police did not report any injuries related to the explosion.
Police did not identify or describe any of the suspected thieves.
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All southbound lanes on Gratiot Avenue near Mack Avenue were closed Tuesday morning as police were investigating the explosion.
No further details were released by police.
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