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Owner critical, funerals ahead in store explosion

By AP

WAYNE, MI – The owner of a southeastern furniture store leveled by a suspected natural gas explosion that killed two of his employees remains in critical condition at the University of Michigan medical center as a state agency begins an investigation
of to the blast.

A hospital spokeswoman says 64-year-old Paul Franks remains in critical condition from injuries in Wednesday's explosion.

Visitation for 64-year-old James Zell is Sunday at the Uht Funeral Home in Westland. His funeral is Monday at Westland's St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Services for 54-year-old Leslie Machniak are Wednesday at Westland's Vermeulen Funeral Home.

The Michigan Public Service Commission tells the Detroit Free Press sections of pipe are being tested and says the agency is looking for any patterns of gas leaks in the area.

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