The owner of a business in suburban Detroit, Noor Noel Kestou, was arrested at a New York airport as he planned to depart for Hong Kong on a one-way ticket. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fire and explosion that occurred in a Clinton Township building that housed a vaping industry distributor called Goo. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old Turner Lee Salter, who was struck by a nitrous oxide cannister propelled through the air by the explosion. Kestou was identified as a suspect early on due to his ownership of the business.
Authorities indicated that a truckload of butane canisters had recently arrived at the building before the explosion, with over 100,000 vape pens stored on-site. Approximately half of the stock of butane canisters was still present at the time of the fire. Kestou was arrested based on information received on April 20 that he was attempting to fly to Hong Kong, prompting concerns about his potential flight risk. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated that it was unclear what Kestou’s ultimate intentions were but noted that as a business owner, he was automatically considered a suspect in the investigation.
Goo had obtained an occupancy permit in September 2022 for its retail location in the building, which was designated as a smoke shop/vape store. Kestou was released after posting a $500,000 bond and is now required to wear a GPS tether as part of the conditions of his release. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for May 7 in Clinton Township District Court. Kestou’s attorney, James Thomas, declined to comment on the case. The incident has raised questions about the safety practices and regulations within the vaping industry, particularly regarding the storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials.
The tragic consequences of the fire and explosion underscore the importance of proper safety measures in businesses that handle volatile substances. The sudden loss of Turner Lee Salter has had a profound impact on his loved ones and the community at large, highlighting the need for accountability in cases of negligence or misconduct. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the extent of Kestou’s involvement and potential liability.
The arrest of Kestou at the airport serves as a reminder of the legal consequences that individuals may face when their actions result in harm to others. The case has generated public attention and raised awareness about the risks associated with businesses that deal with flammable materials. Moving forward, authorities will strive to ensure that justice is served for all parties affected by the tragic events in Clinton Township, while also seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future through enhanced safety regulations and oversight.
