Gas Explosion in Detroit Metro Area Causes Major Damage to Condo Complex

Officials are investigating whether a natural or man-made gas leak led to a massive explosion that heavily damaged a Warren condominium complex, displaced a dozen families and claimed the life of one resident on July 4.

The man who died was in his 50s and lived alone in the residence where the explosion occurred, according to Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer.

It was unclear whether the man owned the residence or rented it. His name was not yet being released due to pending notification of relatives, Dwyer said. More information will be released Monday.

The explosion was disturbing and unsettling within the community, Dwyer said.

"We were very fortunate that there was not more deaths and serious injuries," he said.

The explosion occurred late Sunday afternoon, and leveled the deceased man’s condominium and sent debris through the Villa Pointe neighborhood near Interstate 696 in Warren.

Monday, stunned residents surveyed the damage from the blast while Warren firefighters sifted through debris.