A Business Owner's Negligence Leads to Tragedy
In a shocking turn of events, a business owner in Clinton Township is facing serious charges after a deadly warehouse explosion. The incident, which took place on March 4, 2024, resulted in the death of a 19-year-old who was struck by flying debris. The owner, Noor Noel Kestou, is accused of gross negligence for storing hazardous materials in a building not zoned for such use.
The Explosion and Its Aftermath
The explosion was caused by thousands of containers of combustible gas, including butane and nitrous, which were stored in the warehouse. The debris from the explosion spread at least a half-mile in every direction, causing significant damage. Kestou was arrested at JFK International Airport in New York after it was discovered he had purchased a one-way ticket to Hong Kong.
Deception and Negligence
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Kestou had misrepresented his business as a retail shop during inspections, when in fact, it was being used as a warehouse. This misrepresentation allowed him to store hazardous materials in a zone not permitted for such activities. The judge noted that Kestou was fully aware of the zoning restrictions but chose to ignore them.
Witness Testimonies
Multiple witnesses testified during the preliminary hearing, including:
- An employee who reported strange incidents leading up to the explosion, such as unusual behavior from the building's heating system.
- A fire inspector who testified that he was unaware of the true nature of Kestou's business during a 2022 inspection, as Kestou had labeled it as a typical retail shop.
Zoning Disputes and Consequences
The planning and communication director for Clinton Township, Bruce Thompson, testified about zoning disputes with Kestou. Thompson stated that Kestou initially proposed to have a warehouse business but later claimed it was a retail business to comply with zoning regulations. This deception allowed Kestou to operate a warehouse in a retail district, which ultimately led to the tragic explosion.
Legal Ramifications
Kestou is currently facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, a 15-year felony. His pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 3, 2025. The case highlights the importance of adhering to zoning regulations and the potential consequences of negligence in handling hazardous materials.