The owner of a Michigan company that exploded in March, tragically resulting in the death of a 19-year-old and injuring a firefighter, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Noor Noel Kestou, the owner of the vape and smoke business Goo Smoke Shop/Select Distributors, attempted to flee the country with a one-way ticket to Hong Kong following the fatal explosion. Authorities revealed that Kestou had illegal possession of nitrous oxide and improperly stored butane cans, which were not allowed in the district. The explosion sent illegal material raining down on civilians in a one-mile radius, causing damage to surrounding businesses and ultimately resulting in the death of Turner Lee Salter.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido stated that involuntary manslaughter was the highest charge that could be presented based on current evidence, however, the ongoing investigation may lead to additional charges. Kestou’s bond has been set at $500,000 and he must adhere to certain conditions upon his release, including wearing a GPS tether, surrendering his passport and any weapons, and remaining in the state. While the ultimate goal of Kestou’s attempted flight out of the U.S. is unknown, he is currently in custody and may have made bond recently. The cause of the fire and explosion is still under investigation, as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The intense explosion at Goo Smoke Shop/Select Distributors is proving to be a challenge for investigators, as they work to determine the cause of the fire. Chief Duncan of the Clinton Township Police Department highlighted that while the exact cause is still undetermined, they cannot rule out human involvement at this time. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities hoping to gather more information from witnesses and potentially uncover additional details as they sift through the debris. The focus remains on the southwest corner of the building, where it is believed the fire originated based on available information.
Authorities continue to work diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to the deadly explosion at the Michigan vape and smoke business. While the owner faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and attempted flight from the country, the investigation is ongoing and may result in additional charges in the future. The tragic incident resulted in the death of a young individual and caused damage to surrounding businesses, highlighting the dangerous implications of illegal material storage and improper handling. As the community works to heal from the loss, authorities remain dedicated to seeking justice for those affected by the explosion and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
