In a recent development, a 31-year-old man from Commerce Township, Noor Kestou, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the deadly explosion that rocked Clinton Township. Here’s a breakdown of the incident and its aftermath:

Suspect Apprehended

Noor Kestou was arraigned on a single count of involuntary manslaughter after authorities discovered he had purchased a one-way ticket to Hong Kong. He was intercepted at JFK International Airport in New York City. The authorities became suspicious when his passport was flagged, leading to his arrest.

Legal Proceedings

Kestou, the sole owner of the property where the explosion occurred, has been released on a $500,000 cash bond and is currently under tether. His passport remains in police custody. The charge of involuntary manslaughter is linked to the death of a 19-year-old man who was struck by a nitrous oxide canister a quarter mile away from the blast site.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite more than a month and a half passing since the explosion, the origin of the blast remains unknown. Investigators, led by Clinton Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan, have faced challenges due to the intensity of the fire and ongoing safety concerns at the site. The involvement of human action has not been ruled out.

Safety Measures

Efforts to secure the blast site have been ongoing, with the EPA and ATF involved to ensure safety. However, over 3,100 canisters of nitrous oxide remain on the property, posing a potential hazard. Follow-up inspections of vendors possessing flammable materials have also been initiated to prevent similar incidents.

City Response

The city has identified businesses not in compliance with safety regulations, emphasizing the importance of proper storage and fire suppression systems. One such business lacked a working fire suppression system during an inspection. City officials are taking proactive measures to prevent future accidents.

In light of these developments, it’s imperative for authorities to continue their investigation diligently to uncover the cause of the explosion and ensure the safety of the community moving forward.

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