Authorities in Clinton Township, Michigan, revealed on Tuesday that the distributor of vaping supplies that went up in flames on Monday night was illegally storing highly flammable materials, including butane.

The Michigan vape shop explosion resulted in the tragic death of a 19-year-old man due to flying debris, and a firefighter sustained injuries during the explosions.

Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon stated that the business, identified as Goo LLC, was not permitted to store canisters of butane, emphasizing they were "illegally in that building."

The stored materials included butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, and vape pens, with containers ranging from 12 to 18 inches in size and weighing 10 to 15 pounds.

Authorities are actively investigating the materials stored on-site and their quantities, according to Clinton Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan.

The shop had been operating under the permit as a retail mercantile business with some storage in a former supermarket location.

However, recent developments revealed the storage of over 100,000 vape pens and a recent influx of butane, nitrous oxide, propane, and other products, according to CNN.

Intensive Investigation and Cooperation from Business Owners

Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan disclosed that two business owners were interviewed by the fire prevention division and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

While no one is currently in custody or charged following the Michigan vape shop explosion, township officials emphasized the cooperation of the owner and employees.

The investigation's scope is evolving, and authorities await safe entry to the site for a detailed examination, Detroit Free Press reports.

The building still contains burning debris piles and occasional explosions from containers.

Township officials expressed the need for more information and clarified that if they had known about the illegal storage, immediate violations would have been issued.

Barry Miller, Clinton Township building superintendent, noted that during the September 2022 inspection, there were no canisters in the back room where the illegal storage was found.

He mentioned that the fire department also inspects quantities and highlighted the lack of prior knowledge about the presence of butane and nitrous oxide.

Immediate Response to Explosions and Concerns about Air Quality

First responders at the Michigan vape shop explosion encountered explosive materials flying in all directions upon arrival, with some debris landing approximately a mile away from the building.

A security perimeter was established, and residents and businesses in the vicinity were evacuated, Fox News noted.

Police urged residents to stay inside due to the potential danger.

The fire was eventually contained after 11 PM, but concerns shifted to air quality. A HAZMAT unit was dispatched to assess and monitor air quality.

Residents in the area reported hearing continuous and intense explosions from several miles away.

The incident underscores the dangers of illegal storage of hazardous materials and raises questions about the oversight of such businesses to prevent catastrophic events like the fatal Michigan vape shop explosion.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of regulatory violations and potential repercussions for those involved.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Explosion at vaping materials warehouse in Michigan - From CBS Chicago