Clinton Township, Mich. — A local business owner faces serious legal consequences following a tragic explosion that occurred earlier this year, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old bystander. Nour Kestou, the proprietor of Goo & Select Distributors, appeared in court for the first day of his preliminary examination, where he is charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The catastrophic incident took place on March 4, 2024, at the intersection of 15 Mile and Groesbeck, completely demolishing the warehouse. The explosion was triggered by dangerous chemicals, including nitrous oxide and butane canisters, which were found unlawfully stored within the building. Turner Salter, who was approximately a quarter of a mile away at the time, suffered fatal injuries due to shrapnel.
Kestou, 32, was not present during the explosion but was arrested in New York a month later while allegedly attempting to flee the country. Prosecutors argue that his actions in storing hazardous materials without proper safety measures led directly to the tragedy.
During the preliminary hearing, testimonies unfolded detailing the chaotic aftermath of the explosion. Witness Kevin Zaytuna, who was working at the warehouse, recounted his immediate reaction after the blast. “The first instinct was to call 911 and to get as far away as possible,” he said. Zaytuna described a peculiar sensation shortly before the explosion, recalling that the air felt excessively hot despite the cooling systems running in the building.
Another employee, Francis Kashat, expressed his concern when he noticed Zaytuna was unaccounted for in the chaos that ensued. “We started yelling for Kevin, and he just wasn’t coming out. There were plumes of smoke everywhere,” Kashat stated. Both men highlighted the lack of formal training regarding hazardous materials, underscoring a culture of caution among employees but also revealing significant gaps in safety protocols.
Kashat further elaborated on the family-like environment within the business, suggesting this may have hindered the establishment of structured safety measures. “When it’s family-run, it’s not always as organized. Everyone has a lot of freedom,” he said. Despite their best efforts to manage risks, the absence of clear guidelines amplified the dangers present in their work environment.
The court proceedings are set to continue, with the judge weighing whether to advance the charges against Kestou to trial. As the preliminary examination unfolds, the ramifications of March’s explosion linger, not only for the victim’s family but also for the wider community grappling with the implications of hazardous material management in local businesses.