Ottawa, Canada – Eastway Tank, Pump and Meter Ltd, and its owner Neil Greene have pleaded guilty to charges related to a workplace explosion that tragically claimed the lives of six employees. The incident, which occurred on January 13, 2022, resulted in the deaths of Rick Bastien, Etienne Mabiala, Danny Beale, Kayla Ferguson, Russell Mclennan, and Matt Kearney, with a seventh person sustaining severe injuries.
The company and its owner were accused of violating Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure the safe handling of diesel fuel during the testing of trucks. A joint submission presented in court detailed the guilty pleas, with the decision on penalties left to Justice Mitch Hoffman.
One year after the explosion, the Ontario Ministry of Labour laid three charges against Eastway and Neil Greene. The charges included failures in ensuring safe distances during truck testing and providing adequate training on fuel storage procedures.
Victim impact statements from family members shed light on the profound impact of the tragedy. Jean Schade, mother of victim Danny Beale, described the unbearable pain of losing a child, noting that simple pleasures like watching a favorite movie now evoke painful memories. Celeste Mabiala, daughter of victim Etienne Mabiala, provided insight into the enduring grief and loss experienced by families.
The courtroom was filled with emotional testimonies from those affected, underscoring the lasting trauma caused by the workplace blast. Family members shared memories of their loved ones and expressed the ongoing pain and emptiness left in their absence.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating explosion. The guilty pleas by Eastway Tank, Pump and Meter Ltd, and Neil Greene serve as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.