Teen killed by canister launched into air after huge explosion at vape factory

07 March 2024 , 13:36

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Turner Lee Salter died after being hit on the head by a canister which was launched in the air following an explosion (Image: legacy.com)

A teenager was killed after being hit in the head by a canister which was launched into the air following an explosion at a vape supply facility.

Turner Lee Salter was standing at a car wash on 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township, Michigan when he was struck by raining debris. Police initially feared the 19-year-old had been shot but he was instead hit by airborne shrapnel from a canister. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The fire broke out at Select Distributors and Goo Smoke Shop on Monday evening, with a series of explosions shooting debris as far as two miles away from the facility. The debris included canisters weighing 10 to 15 pounds, with one striking the windshield of a fire truck. Firefighter Matt Myers was taken to hospital but later released, Macomb Daily reports.

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The fire broke out at Select Distributors and Goo Smoke Shop on Monday evening (TMX / SWNS)

Turner was an active member at Faith Baptist Church and was described as an “incredibly dependable and responsible” young man by Pastor Tim Berlin. “Turner was just a joy to be around,” he said.

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“He was so kind, always happy, someone who embraced life. He was on our church bowling league and everyone wanted to be on his team because they knew they’d have fun. This is a real loss for our community," the pastor added.

Turner's obituary said the teenager "enjoyed spending time with family". It read: "He was very handy and loved to garden and cultivate trees from seed. He also enjoyed photography, bowling, and travelling."

A number of people have since written their own tributes to Turner on Legacy.com. One read: "Turner was a joy. He was too good for this world. My sincerest condolences to the family."

A series of explosions launched debris as far as two miles away from the facility (TMX / SWNS)

Another said: "Sending prayers for Turner and his family. Turner was a very pleasant young man. So sad to hear this great loss! He and Terrance just put my doorbell on and although they are young maintenance men, they both did a great job!!! My heart broken for all."

Macomb County Medical Examiner Dr. Mary E. Pietrangelo confirmed Turner's cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Police and firefighters are investigating the cause of the explosions at the facility.

Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon said the vape facility had been illegally storing canisters of butane and other materials. “They were illegally in that building,” Cannon told reporters at a news conference Tuesday evening.

The vape facility had been illegally storing canisters of butane and other materials (TMX / SWNS)

In a news release on the township website, officials said: “According to the (fire department), stored in the facility, among other items, were containers of butane, nitrous oxide, lighter fluid, and vape pens. Containers, or canisters, were 12 to 18 inches in size, weighing 10 to 15 pounds.”

Authorities believe the burned-out building, which housed two businesses, Select Distributors and Goo Smoke Shop, had been storing more than 100,000 vape pens at the time of the blast. According to township officials, the building was not permitted to store explosive materials on-site.

Fire Department Chief Tim Duncan previously described the explosion as being like a war zone, with "shrapnel going off anywhere you look". The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Sam Truelove