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ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A suburban Detroit couple died and their daughter escaped serious injury following an explosion and fire that destroyed their home, authorities said Thursday.
Crews responded about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday to the home in Oakland County's Orion Township and faced flames 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters) high, the Orion Township Fire Department said. One body was found during a search and the second body was found after crews used an excavator in the rubble.
Killed were Bruce Dominguez, 65, and his wife, Kathy, 57, Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said. Their daughter, Kim Dominguez, 29, escaped serious injury.
Firefighters from several area departments assisted at the scene, hauling in water via tanker trunks because the nearest fire hydrant was about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the home.
The cause of the explosion is under investigation and the department said it could be several days before the cause is determined. Fire Chief Robert Smith told reporters that the home had a propane tank, but it was off at the time. He said arson wasn't suspected.
The Oakland County sheriff's department fire investigation unit is assisting in the investigation. Undersheriff Mike McCabe said in an email that the man who died was remodeling the home and also had used the home's basement to reload ammunition.
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