Firefighters walk through the rubble of a house at the corner of Edison and Burns streets in Southgate the morning of April 3, which was completely destroyed by a possible gas explosion, killing Amber Benedict, 37, and injuring her husband, Paul Benedict, 38.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – An early morning explosion April 3 at the corner of Edison and Burns streets destroyed a house and damaged the one next door, claiming the life of one resident while seriously injuring another.
The explosion, which occurred at 5:45 a.m., completely destroyed the house, while the residence to the east was damaged by the blast and the resultant fire.
Amber Benedict, 37, who was trapped by the rubble near an active fire, was extricated and transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where she died as a result of her injuries.
Her husband, Paul, 38, who was blown into the front yard, is being treated at Detroit Receiving as well for extensive burns and internal injuries.
Southgate Director of Public Safety Joseph Marsh said in a press release that that the investigation is ongoing and is being treated as a gas-related issue. DTE and fire investigators are working with Southgate police detectives to determine the cause of the explosion.
DTE officials said in a press release that DTE equipment was not to blame.
“DTE’s natural gas pipeline, meter and all other DTE equipment serving the Southgate home was tested and found to be in safe working condition and not the cause of Thursday’s incident,” they said. “Our hearts go out to the injured as well as the loved ones of the woman in the Southgate home who succumbed to her injuries earlier today.”
The public is asked to stay clear of the area while crews work to clear the debris field.
Firefighters from Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Trenton and Wyandotte assisted, officials said.