Two women were hospitalized with serious injuries Monday after a man allegedly doused them with gasoline and set them on fire outside their workplace in Detroit, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 6 a.m. as the victims arrived at their place of employment, according to Detroit Fire Department Fire Investigation Chief Dennis Richardson. The suspect, a former coworker, reportedly approached the women, poured gasoline on them, and ignited it using a cigarette lighter.
“This appears to be a targeted attack stemming from workplace grievances,” Richardson told reporters at the scene.
Both women were rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital with severe burns. Their conditions were described as critical but stable, according to hospital officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to privacy regulations.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released pending formal charges, also sustained minor injuries in the attack and was taken to a local hospital for treatment under police custody.
Detroit Police Chief James White provided additional context during a press conference Monday afternoon. “Our preliminary investigation indicates the suspect was a former employee who had recently been suspended or terminated from the business,” White said. “He apparently believed these women played a role in his dismissal.”
White expressed his shock at the brutality of the attack and emphasized the seriousness with which the department is treating the case. “We expect to recommend attempted murder charges to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office,” he stated. “This kind of senseless violence has no place in our community.”
The police chief declined to name the business where the attack occurred, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy concerns for the victims and their families.
Local residents expressed horror at the incident. Sarah Thompson, who lives nearby, told WJBK-TV, “I heard screaming and saw smoke. It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen right here in our neighborhood.”
The attack has reignited discussions about workplace safety and the potential for violence from disgruntled former employees. Labor rights advocates are calling for increased security measures and better support systems for workers facing job loss or disciplinary action.
As the investigation continues, Detroit police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The department has set up a dedicated hotline for tips related to the case.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for workplace conflicts to escalate into violence, prompting calls for improved conflict resolution processes and mental health support in professional settings.
