Overview
- Fire crews say a forklift likely hit a ceiling gas line at EFI’s Ypsilanti Township facility on Feb. 18, triggering a blast that remains under formal investigation.
- Workers had evacuated after smelling gas, and three employees were injured after reentering to check for others, with conditions described as significant but not life-threatening.
- HAZMAT teams reported negative tests outside the building and in storm drains, and gas service to the facility was shut off as a precaution.
- The explosion collapsed the back northwest corner and damaged roughly one-third of the structure, with debris confined to nearby woods short of I-94.
- Authorities accounted for all 60–100 employees; one injured worker was released from the hospital and two remained under treatment as damage surveys and engineering assessments continue.