Justice Sought: CEO Faces Court Over Deadly Hyperbaric Chamber Blast in Oakland County

The pursuit of justice continues in Oakland County as Rejon Keo, the CEO at the heart of a tragic hyperbaric chamber explosion that claimed a life, appeared in court today. Keo, 50, faces serious charges of involuntary manslaughter and operating an unlicensed health facility, following an incident that has sent shockwaves through the community and raised critical questions about patient safety in specialized medical treatments.

The devastating explosion occurred in October 2023, during what should have been a routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy session for 63-year-old Cassandra Green.

Instead, the session turned fatal when a fire erupted inside the chamber, leading to her untimely death. Prosecutors allege that Keo, as the CEO, bore direct responsibility for the conditions that led to this catastrophic failure.

Today's court appearance marked a significant step in the legal process: a preliminary examination.

During this crucial stage, prosecutors present evidence to the judge, who then determines if there is sufficient probable cause to bind the defendant over for trial. The proceedings aim to meticulously piece together the events of that fateful day and establish Keo's alleged culpability.

The prosecution's case centers on allegations of severe negligence and a blatant disregard for established safety protocols.

It is contended that Keo's facility was operating without the necessary state license, a fundamental requirement for any health care establishment. Furthermore, investigators suggest that non-medical grade oxygen may have been used, a practice that drastically increases the risk of fire in an oxygen-rich environment like a hyperbaric chamber.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber.

It's a treatment used for various conditions, from decompression sickness to chronic wounds, but it demands incredibly stringent safety measures due to the inherent flammability of oxygen. A single spark, even from static electricity or a faulty piece of equipment, can lead to a catastrophic blaze in such an environment.

The investigation also brought to light a troubling pattern.

Authorities reportedly discovered similar safety violations and licensing issues at another facility previously operated by Keo in Flint. This history underscores the gravity of the current charges and the potential for a systemic failure in ensuring patient well-being.

For Cassandra Green's family and the wider community, this case is not just about legal proceedings; it's about accountability and preventing future tragedies.

As the preliminary examination unfolds, the details emerging from the courtroom will continue to shed light on the circumstances that led to the death of Cassandra Green, pushing for answers and, ultimately, justice.