A worker sustained non-life-threatening injuries after an explosion at General Motors' Factory Zero plant in Hamtramck, MI, on Thanksgiving morning. The incident is the latest in a series of safety concerns at the facility, formerly known as Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly.
The explosion, caused by a cylinder, did not result in a fire, according to Detroit Fire Department spokesperson. However, the incident adds to a growing list of emergencies that have prompted calls for an enhanced safety plan at the plant.
In March, reports revealed the Detroit Fire Department had been called to the facility at least eight times within a nine-month period. Notable incidents included a December 2023 three-alarm fire that required the evacuation of the building and temporarily halted production. The incident mobilized 22 fire trucks and 88 firefighters, many of whom faced hazardous conditions in a toxic environment, according to an incident report obtained by the Detroit Free Press.
Union and fire officials have voiced concerns about the plant's safety protocols. They have urged GM to implement more robust measures to protect employees and mitigate risks at the electric vehicle plant, which has been central to the company's push toward EV production.
The Factory Zero plant represents a significant investment in GM’s transition to electric vehicles, but these repeated emergencies raise questions about operational safety. As investigations into the Thanksgiving explosion continue, officials are likely to renew pressure on GM to ensure a safer working environment for its employees.
