Sawmill blast survivors, families at B.C. legislature to push for independent inquiry

VICTORIA – Injured workers from Burns Lake and their families are at the B.C. legislature today to call for an independent inquiry into the 2012 explosion at the Babine Forest Products sawmill that killed two workers and injured 20 others.

Family members of two workers killed in a second blast at the Lakeland Mills sawmill in Prince George a few months later will also be at the legislature.

Opposition New Democrat Leader Adrian Dix says the families deserve justice, which is why the NDP remains steadfast in its call for an independent probe into the explosions.

Premier Christy Clark says she shares profound sympathy for the families and the victims and the government is resolved to ensuring similar tragedies do not occur again.

Labour Minister Shirley Bond says she is willing to meet with the delegation today, but she also says an independent inquiry is not what’s required at this time.

Bond says most sawmilll owners have changed their practices and at-risk mills have been shut down over safety issues.