US-23 reopens after gas line rupture sends debris into road near Fenton

(WXYZ) — Crews are on the scene after a gas line ruptured near US-23 and Center Road in Tyrone Township on Wednesday morning.

People in the area reported on social media that they heard a loud explosion this morning.

Photo courtesy Casey Gilbert

US-23 was closed for hours in both directions before reopening.

“They were cleaning the natural gas pipe. Ground started shaking. He took off running and it just blew. 50 feet in the air. Shook the whole building and blew up old 23,” said Rick Richardson of Woody's Towing.

Photo courtesy MSP

Consumers Energy says they have no reports of fire or injuries. They say the blast happened in a transmission pipe, which is typically between 12 and 26 inches in diameter and operates at a pressure that is too high to connect to a residential home. The pipe does run under the highway. Consumers says they had a crew in the area doing work that had been previously scheduled.

Video courtesy: Randy Pierce

“The loud boom heard earlier is the result of an apparent break in a transmission line,” a spokesperson says.

We’re told there is no service being interrupted or danger to the community.

“Luckily, it didn’t catch fire. Pretty crazy. We are waiting for the call to scrape the road but haven’t gotten the call yet,” said Richardson.

The Fenton Twp. Fire Chief says people can safely leave their homes now after initially being told to stay in place. We're told gas is no longer leaking, and anyone with damage to a home or vehicle should file a report. Consumers Energy says they are continuing their investigation and will soon begin repairs.