In a startling turn of events, the owner of Select Distributors, a business that exploded in Clinton Township, Michigan back in March, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Noor Kestou was arrested at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York this week while attempting to leave the country on a one-way ticket to Hong Kong.

The explosion, which occurred on March 4, resulted in tragic consequences when a flying canister from the blast struck and killed 19-year-old Turner Lee Salter, who was standing outside a quarter-mile away. Officials have revealed that the warehouse involved in the explosion was a distributor for vape pens and smoke shop items, and it was illegally storing butane and nitrous oxide canisters.

The cause of the fire, which spewed debris up to a mile away and took over 24 hours to extinguish, is still under investigation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is leading the ongoing investigation, and Clinton Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan has stated that human involvement in the fire cannot be ruled out at this time.

Kestou had been cooperative during the investigation, according to authorities. However, it was not until his passport was scanned on April 20 that detectives met with prosecutors and quickly obtained a warrant for his arrest. Kestou was later escorted back to Michigan and pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing. He is currently out of jail on a $500,000 cash bond, but is subjected to several conditions including wearing a tether, surrendering his passport, and remaining in the state.

Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if Kestou is convicted. The tragic death of Turner Lee Salter has prompted authorities to hold Kestou accountable for the consequences of the explosion.

The community was left in shock as the local fire department spent over a week dealing with sporadic explosions, pop-up fires, and smoke at the warehouse. Fire Chief Tim Duncan described the intensity of the fire as damaging a significant amount of potential evidence at the scene.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining the cause of the fire and the actions that led to the explosion. The loss of a young life serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety regulations and proper storage procedures in businesses dealing with hazardous materials.