Mandatory evacuation ordered at Detroit apartment complex after building malfunction cuts power

DETROIT – A mandatory evacuation was ordered at a Detroit apartment complex after a building malfunction caused a power outage.

Residents at the Leland House apartment building were forced to leave their homes on Wednesday (Dec. 10).

Fire officials said a building malfunction caused the power outage, and the fire marshal ordered a mandatory evacuation until the issue is resolved.

This comes just days after residents were told their power would remain on, despite the building owing DTE money.

But DTE says this outage has nothing to do with that and was caused by customer-owned equipment.

The city says it’s working to help residents find temporary housing while repairs are underway.

“We feel for the residents of the Leland House and know how challenging these past few weeks have been. Unfortunately, this outage was caused by customer-owned equipment that cannot be accessed due to existing structural hazards inside the building. 

We’re prepared to restore service as soon as the building owner can make the necessary repairs and ensure a safe environment.  

We are working closely with the city to ensure impacted residents are safe and have access to temporary housing."

DTE