Coroner’s office to hold public inquest into Burns Lake mill deaths

VANCOUVER – A public inquest has been called to look into the deaths of two workers killed when a sawmill in Burns Lake, B.C., caught fire and exploded two years ago.

Robert Luggi and Carl Charlie were killed and 20 other workers were injured when the massive blast destroyed the Babine Forest Products mill in January 2012.

Crown counsel said two weeks ago that no charges would be laid in connection to the fatal fire.

A report released by WorkSafeBC last week said the explosion was preventable and was fuelled by too much wood dust.

Lisa Lapointe, chief coroner with the BC Coroners Service, says after reviewing the investigations, there is a benefit to holding an inquest with the goal of preventing future deaths in similar circumstances.

Presiding coroner Chico Newell and a jury are expected to hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses, but the jury can’t make findings of fault or legal responsibility.