2 Injured In Explosion, Fire At El Charro Restaurant In Fraser

FRASER (WWJ) - Two people were hurt, Wednesday morning, in a small explosion and fire at a popular Mexican restaurant in Macomb County.

Fraser police said the blast occurred as employees were preparing for lunch at El Charro, in the 16700 block of 14 Mile Road near Garfield in Fraser.

"They were trying to light the pilot — somebody had turned the pilot off to one of the stoves," Lt. Mike Pettyes said. "So when they tried to relight the stove they got an explosion back on them; burnt the forearms of two employees."

The male and female employee involved had what Pettyes believes to be only minor burns. They drove themselves to a local hospital for treatment.

The restaurant will be closed for cleanup and will remain closed until health inspectors give the go-ahead.  WWJ's Laura Bonnell reported there was significant damage done to the kitchen and the whole place was filled with smoke.

Firefighters were not injured but did overheat while dealing with the fire. They were cooled off at the scene.