Investigation launched after vehicle catches fire in Dearborn

‘We need someone to come out right now because we have a fire in the street’

DEARBORN, Mich. – A vehicle burst into flames in the middle of the night near Lapeer Park in Dearborn.

Video of the Saturday night fire has gone viral on social media.

The fire happened on Roulo Street, near Wyoming and Dix avenues. The pavement still showed marks from the fire Sunday afternoon.

“I’m not too sure what happened last night, but I wake up in the morning and I saw this mess,” said Ameen Omar, who lives nearby.

Overnight, an SUV had flames pouring out the front end. Cellphone video captured the chaotic scene. A loud bang can be heard in the video at one point.

A woman -- who is hoping to remain anonymous -- said she’s concerned that the loud sound was from a firework and wonders if a celebratory pyrotechnic device could have been the cause of the blaze. A group of young adults were reportedly playing with the explosives nearby.

More: Safety experts urge caution around personal fireworks this Fourth of July

Packaging from fireworks could still be found Sunday afternoon.

That neighbor said she called 911 immediately.

“I called the police. I called the fire department,” she said. “I called everyone.”

Dearborn fire crews were able to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported.

Omar, who lives with his children nearby, said he’s happy no one was hurt.

““The kids here, they all play around here,” Omar said. “I’m worried for my kids and It’s hard to believe.”

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Dearborn Police Department at 313-943-2240.

Related: Michigan fireworks laws: What’s legal, when you can set them off, safety tips


About the Authors:

Victor Williams joined Local 4 News in October of 2019 after working for WOIO in Cleveland, OH, WLOX News in Biloxi, MS, and WBBJ in Jackson, TN. Victor developed a love for journalism after realizing he was a great speaker and writer at an early age.

Dane is a producer and media enthusiast. He previously worked freelance video production and writing jobs in Michigan, Georgia and Massachusetts. Dane graduated from the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.