Ottawa, Canada – A tentative guilty plea deal has been reached in the aftermath of the devastating Eastway Tank explosion that occurred on Merivale Road on January 13, 2022. The explosion and massive fire resulted in the tragic deaths of six employees from the facility: Rick Bastien, Etienne Mabiala, Danny Beale, Kayla Ferguson, Russell McLellan, and Matt Kearney.
Following the incident, the Ontario Ministry of Labour levied Occupational Health and Safety Act charges against Eastway Tank and its owner, Neil Greene, in early 2023. Families of the victims were informed via email that a guilty plea is anticipated in connection to the case. Originally scheduled to commence this month, the impending trial has had its dates vacated, with a new court date set for April 5 for a potential resolution.
It is crucial to note that the charges under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act are not criminal in nature. As per the Act, corporations can face maximum penalties of $1.5 million, while individuals may be subject to fines of up to $100,000, a prison sentence of up to 12 months, or both.
The community continues to mourn the loss of the six dedicated employees who tragically lost their lives in the explosion. The forthcoming proceedings are expected to shed light on the circumstances leading up to the incident and provide a semblance of closure to the families of the victims.
With the guilty plea deal on the horizon, many are hoping for accountability and justice to prevail in the wake of the immense tragedy. The outcome of the case holds significant importance not only for the affected families but also for the broader issue of workplace safety regulations and enforcement in the region.
As the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant, seeking answers and assurances that measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The impending resolution of the case serves as a pivotal moment in the quest for justice and accountability in the aftermath of the Eastway Tank explosion.