Abandoned Ford Powerhouse: Dearborn, Michigan

Built in 1927, the Ford Powerhouse in Dearborn was used to provide electricity to the Ford Rouge River Plant. A major contributor in the industrialization of Detroit, it carried on until one fateful day: February 1, 1999.

A faulty boiler was the cause of a gas explosion that injured 14 workers and killed six.

It was like being in hell. Some men had 90% of their skin melted off. According to witness Brian Papke in the Detroit Free Press, "I saw the lights go out, the darkness, people with skin torn off their bodies.....The skin from their arms was coming off in layers. Their skin was yellow."

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About one of his co-workers, Brian stated “His head was split open on top. His hair was burned. I looked in his eyes and his eyes were all white. I asked him if he had gloves on. He said, 'No, I'm not wearing gloves.' His skin was hanging off the ends of his fingers."

Local hospitals quickly filled and other injured men had to be taken to Ann Arbor and Toledo for treatment.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that there were many workplace safety violations. Plant managers ignored the urging of auditors to install safety measures...and paid the price. The state ended up fining Ford $1.5 million for their violations. A memorial was installed in 2004.

The gallery below takes you inside the now-abandoned 1927 plant.....