Cause Revealed in Former Beloved Mt. Morris Dress Shop Explosion

The Downtown Mt. Morris, MI intersection of Saginaw Road and Mt. Morris Road is known for its staggered lay-out and historic buildings. Saturday night, April 15, 2023, one of those buildings exploded. You'll see a few pictures of that building's appearance through recent years, too.

What happened to the old Lucille Allen building in Mt. Morris, MI?

If you've followed any of the community group chats on social media, all of the armchair-reporters insisted the old Lucille Allen dress building explosion was arson or had something to do with another crime happening simultaneously in the area. It turns out, those speculations were not rooted in fact. (As the saying goes, you know what happens when you assume? ...)

Here's video captured of the explosion:

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Mt. Morris Police Department's investigation included Michigan State Police Fire investigators and Consumers Energy. They found there was

no arson, foul play and nothing suspicious about the explosion April 15, 2023, in the downtown area of Mt. Morris.

They've concluded the cause of the explosion was a gas leak "possibly caused by a recently installed furnace by a heating & cooling company."  Some road & lane closures are in place while debris is cleaned up and removed from the area.

What businesses were in the old Lucille Allen building in Mt. Morris after the clothing store closed?

Dating back to 2011 (below) it was a home renovation company. (Notice the cell phone store next door.)

In 2015 (below) it sat vacant with signage from a billiards company on the lower level and leftover lettering from a windows, doors, carpet cleaning business.

2019 saw the building as a two-story pool hall, Old Time Billiards (below).

Present day, this is what the rubble looks like, below.

The Mt. Morris Police Department noted Consumers Energy surveyed meters around the area and checked natural gas pressure in their lines. Everything was is proper working order. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.