Consumers Energy fires workers after review of deadly Royal Oak gas explosion

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) - Multiple utility workers were fired by Consumers Energy after a safety review conducted in response to the February 27 gas explosion that killed a man in Royal Oak.

Dan Malczynski, 58, was killed when a gas leak led to an explosion and massive blaze at his home on Cooper Avenue, just east of Woodward and north of Normandy.

The gas company issued a statement today saying workers were terminated, but – when asked by 7 Action News – they would not elaborate on how many were fired. Consumers Energy also declined to say what the terminated workers had been doing on the day of the explosion.

PHOTO GALLERY: Massive Royal Oak gas explosion levels home on Cooper Avenue

“We have been conducting a thorough investigation, including employee interviews, system inspection and policy review,” they said.

Their statement stressed that that the gas company has a “zero tolerance” safety policy.

“Based on our findings to date,” said Consumers Energy, “We have taken appropriate disciplinary action, including terminations for failure to follow established policies and procedures.”

More than 35 homes and nearby businesses were damaged by the explosion .

In addition to the gas company’s own investigation, state and federal agencies are also looking into what caused the February explosion.

“We are fully cooperating with the Michigan Public Service Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board and local authorities, and will provide more details on our findings following the conclusion of the investigation,” said the statement from Consumers Energy.

After the deadly explosion, Consumers Energy representatives went door to door in the neighborhood to address the fears of others in the community.

Today, the gas company encouraged anyone who smells the "rotten egg" smell associated with gas to go to a safe location and call (800) 477-5050.