The owner of a Michigan company that exploded in March, killing a 19-year-old and injuring a firefighter, was charged with involuntary manslaughter after attempting to flee the country with a one-way ticket to Hong Kong. Noor Noel Kestou, 31, was accused of illegally possessing and improperly storing nitrous oxide and butane cans in his vape and smoke business, Goo Smoke Shop/Select Distributors. The explosion caused illegal material to rain down on civilians in a one-mile radius, resulting in significant damage to nearby businesses and ultimately leading to the death of Turner Lee Salter. The Macomb County Prosecutor stated that involuntary manslaughter charges were the highest that could be presented based on current evidence, but further charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
Authorities set Kestou’s bond at $500,000 — cash only — with strict conditions upon his release, including wearing a GPS tether, surrendering his passport and any weapons, and staying in the state. However, the Prosecutor mentioned that they were uncertain about Kestou’s intentions to leave the U.S. and his ultimate goal in doing so. The cause of the fire and explosion is still under investigation, with Chief Tim Duncan highlighting the challenges in determining a direct cause due to the intensity of the explosion. While it is currently undetermined, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of human involvement, and are seeking more information from witnesses to establish the timeline of events leading up to the incident.
The Clinton Township Police Department expressed discomfort over the presence of illegal materials like nitrous oxide and butane in Kestou’s business, emphasizing that these substances were not permitted in the district. The severity of the explosion resulted in rockets of hazardous material coming down on nearby buildings, causing significant damage to property and endangering civilians in the vicinity. The tragic death of Salter shocked the community and added weight to the legal consequences faced by Kestou in the aftermath of the incident. The Prosecutor mentioned that the ongoing investigation is crucial in determining the full extent of the owner’s liability and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
Lucido’s statement suggested that Kestou’s attempt to leave the country raised suspicions about his intentions and level of responsibility in safeguarding the public from potential hazards within his business premises. While the details of Kestou’s case continue to unfold, the community and law enforcement remain vigilant in uncovering the truth behind the fatal explosion and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Chief Duncan’s comments on the need for thorough investigation and cooperation from witnesses underscore the complexity of the case and the necessity of gathering all pertinent information to establish a clear narrative of events leading up to the tragedy. As the legal proceedings progress, the affected families and community members strive for closure and justice in the wake of such a devastating loss.
