The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identities of the two individuals found deceased in the debris of the Babine Forest Products sawmill, levelled by an explosion and fire on the evening of Jan. 20.

Dental records were used to confirm the identification of the two as Robert Luggi, aged 45, and Carl Charlie, aged 42.

A specialized team of investigators from the Coroners Service Identification and Disaster Response Unit travelled to the scene on Jan. 22 to work alongside RCMP investigators to locate and identify the two millworkers who had been missing since the explosion and fire. Although much of the scene remained unsafe to enter, the two individuals were discovered near the edge of the debris field where entry and recovery were possible.

The Coroners Service has informed the families of Mr. Charlie and Mr. Luggi of the confirmed identifications. It is requested that the media respect the families' privacy at this time.

The scene has now been turned over to WorkSafe BC, who will continue their investigation into the explosion and fire.

For more information, please contact:

Barbara McLintock
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 or 250 213-5020