Investigation into fatal sawmill explosion in B.C. flawed: premier
Posted February 13, 2014 11:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER – B.C.’s premier says an investigation into a fatal sawmill blast was flawed and that the province’s work-safety agency did not gather evidence in a way that could be used in a criminal case.
Premier Christy Clark says a report ordered by her office has made four recommendations for WorkSafeBC, including that the agency better communicate with prosecutors and improve its investigative practices.
Robert Luggi and Carl Charlie were killed and 20 others were injured when a fire and explosion destroyed the Babine Forest Products mill in January 2012.
A coroner’s inquest will also be held to investigate the deaths of Luggi and Charlie.
Clark announced the review after a WorkSafeBC investigation became mired in controversy when the Crown announced it would not lay charges, in part due to flaws in that investigation.
No criminal or regulatory charges will be laid in connection to the deaths, but WorkSafe says fines and other penalties are still under consideration.
