MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Commerce Township man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a building he owned and operated in Clinton Township exploded, killing a 19-year-old.
The massive fire started on Monday, March 4, and caused stored containers of combustible gas to continuously explode. The debris field stretched at least a half-mile in every direction, according to officials.
The building was owned and operated by Noor Noel Kestou. Prosecutors said thousands of cans of Nitrous oxide and butane were being stored in the building.
One of the Nitrous oxide canisters struck a 19-year-old in the head, killing him. The teen was more than 1,000 feet away from the burning building when he was killed.
Kestou, 31, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony. Kestou was arraigned in 41B District Court on Thursday, April 25, where his bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety only. If released, Kestou will be required to wear a GPS tether, surrender his passport, not leave the state and have no weapons.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024. Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon, Clinton Township Police Chief Dina Caringi, and Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido are expected to speak at the press conference.
A probable cause hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.