When to call 911 and when to use non-emergency lines
This video explains the importance of knowing when to call 911 for emergencies and when to use non-emergency lines for less critical situations.
- A loud boom around 10 a.m. Friday caused residents to take to social media to figure out what was happening.
- The cause of the blast was attributed to a car exploding while in the process of being crunched.
An explosion at an automotive metal shredding company sent residents of several Downriver communities into a frenzy around 10 a.m. on Friday.
According to Taylor Director of Communications Karl Ziomek, authorities from the Taylor Police Department confirmed this afternoon that the explosion took place at Fritz Enterprises‘ Taylor Auto shredding location, located between Telegraph and Pennsylvania roads. The vehicle burst into flames after the facilities’ started demolishing the car, leaving them to believe that something left inside the vehicle contributed to the blaze.
Employees at Fritz’s Taylor facility referred calls for comment to the company’s headquarters in Trenton. The company did not respond for comment after leaving a voicemail.
Residents took to social media to try to find a resolution, stating that the blast could be felt across cities including Taylor, Southgate, Lincoln Park, Allen Park, Southgate, Riverview and Brownstown. Theories began to spread about a possible earthquake or meteor.
When asked if his department received any calls about the explosion, Allen Park Fire Chief Jeff O’Riley said that he hadn’t heard anything, but did remember hearing a boom earlier in the day but never heard anything afterward.
Calls were also placed to both DTE and Consumers Energy to inquire about their knowledge of an explosion. Both companies responded that they were unaware of any issues.
A meteorologist from the National Weather Service also ruled out any potential cause of weather-related issues leading to what could’ve made the explosion.
Contact Eric Guzmán: eguzman@freepress.com; 313-222-1850. Follow him on X: @EricGuzman90.
