The BC Coroners Service has announced it will hold a single public inquest into the deaths of four workers who died in two sawmill explosions in 2012.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe will preside over the inquest into the deaths that occurred as a result of the explosions at the Babine Forest Products mill in Burns Lake and the Lakeland mill in Prince George. The inquest will take place in Prince George beginning March 2, 2015.

Robert Luggi Jr., aged 45, and Carl Charlie, aged 42, were killed in the Burns Lake explosion. Alan Little, aged 43, and Glenn Roche, aged 46, died as a result of the Lakeland mill blast.

Lapointe explained that the decision to hold a single inquest had been made following a careful review of the information surrounding the tragic events. Evidence relating to the specific circumstances of each death will be heard, she said, and a thorough examination of issues common to both explosions will reviewed. The BC Coroners Service believes that a single proceeding will allow for the most effective examination of key questions and provide the best opportunity for a jury to consider meaningful recommendations to prevent future deaths in similar circumstances.

She noted that the BC Coroners Service recognizes the importance of ensuring access to the proceedings for Burns Lake residents, and is working closely with Court Services to arrange for broadcast of the inquest to that community in real time.

Event Date: Beginning March 2, 2015

Time: 9:30  a.m.

Location:
Prince George Courthouse
J.O. Wilson Square
250 George St.
Prince George

Media Contacts:

Barbara McLintock
Coroner, Strategic Programs
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9253 (office)
250 213-5020 (cell)