JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today released the following statement regarding the Royal Oak gas incident:

Late Wednesday afternoon, Consumers Energy received a call regarding an explosion in the 4000 block of Cooper Street in Royal Oak.  The explosion destroyed one home and caused severe damage to adjacent homes. We are saddened to report that one person was found deceased in the home that exploded.  First and foremost, our thoughts are with the deceased individual's family, friends and loved ones.

Consumers Energy is cooperating with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other regulatory agencies in an investigation of this incident.  Preliminary testing has determined that a gas service line to the house was damaged and was the possible cause of the explosion.  However, the investigation is continuing under the supervision of the MPSC. Consumers Energy is in the process of testing other gas services in the vicinity of the incident and is committed to assuring all of its facilities are safe and intact before restoring gas service to the area.

Additionally, the company reports the following:

• Consumers Energy has arranged hotel accommodations for affected local residents.
• We are working with the Salvation Army on providing hotel transportation for those who cannot access their vehicles.
• Consumers Energy remains on the scene to assist local residents and the Royal Oak community.
• Consumers Energy is checking individual homes for safety issues.  
• If residents smell natural gas, we encourage them to call Consumers Energy immediately at: 1-800-477-5050.

The safety of our community, neighbors and employees remains a top priority.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, visit us at: www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy