WATCH ABOVE: 16×9’s full investigation into what caused two deadly B.C. sawmill explosions
The owners of a Prince George sawmill destroyed in a deadly 2012 explosion have appealed a $724,000 penalty levied against them by a BC government agency.
Two men were killed and 22 injured in the explosion at the Lakeland Mills plant, after a fire believed caused by sawdust that was accidentally ignited.
READ MORE: The story behind the deadly B.C. sawmill explosions
BC government lawyers decided not to bring regulatory charges against the company, despite a report by the provincial workmen’s compensation board—WorkSafeBC– saying the fire and explosion were “preventable.”
Nevertheless, WorkSafeBC issued a heavy fine against Lakeland Mills Ltd.
READ MORE: 16×9 investigation: What was behind the deadly B.C. sawmills explosions?
In a statement, the company said that not appealing the fine “would leave the wrong impression”—that it was somehow to blame for the disaster. Lakeland Mills noted that government lawyers had concluded that the explosion was not foreseeable, and that the company had taken “reasonable steps to reduce risks.”
READ MORE: How a beetle outbreak may have caused two sawmill explosions in B.C.
A number of workers who survived the explosions, including the two widows, have demanded a public inquiry into the accident.
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