ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities in southeastern Michigan say an 18-year-old woman and her 27-year-old brother were killed when the woman ignited a two-story bonfire built for her high school graduation party.
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department says the gasoline-drenched bonfire exploded about 9:30 p.m. Saturday at the brother's home in St. Clair Township, about 50 miles northeast of Detroit.
The victims have been identified as Savannah and Christopher Blewett.
Witnesses say Christopher drenched the bonfire in gasoline and then invited his sister to set it afire. The explosion sent the wood flying up to 100 yards away, blowing out the windows in the back of the home.
The two were killed and three others were hurt.
"Good intentions spiraled out of control. It was meant to be a joyous open house and, you know, gasoline and fire are a wicked combination," said St. Clair County Sheriff Tim Donnellon.