Pipe under scrutiny in Mich. store explosion

WAYNE, Mich. – A federal agency will inspect a piece of natural gas pipe as regulators investigate an explosion that killed two people at a Detroit-area furniture store.

Brian Ballinger of the Michigan Public Service Commission tells the Detroit Free Press that the pipe has been shipped to Houston for evaluation.

Consumers Energy says it received two calls about a smell of gas Wednesday before an explosion destroyed the William C. Franks Furniture store in Wayne. The owner was rescued, but two employees were killed.

Ballinger says the commission is checking whether the area has a history of natural gas leaks and whether the utility complied with regulations.

The street in front of the store was reopened Friday. Businesses are open, except ones that were connected to the store or close to it.