Negotiations continue before trial date
Two companies entered not guilty pleas to occupational health and safety charges stemming from a fatal explosion at the Come By Chance refinery that killed one worker and seriously injured seven others in September 2022.
Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Incorporated and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors appeared briefly in provincial court, where their lawyers confirmed ongoing discussions with the Crown to resolve the matter before trial, CBC News reported.
“We are in active discussions with the Crown to try and resolve this short of trial, but to date we haven’t been able to,” said Gregory Anthony, representing Lorneville Mechanical Contractors, during the Clarenville court appearance.
David Eaton, representing Braya, told Judge Mark Pike the companies “are working, and will continue to do so, but at this stage we have not succeeded in a resolution.” Crown prosecutor Shawn Patten confirmed discussions were underway but said “at this stage we’re not there, with any type of resolution.”
The flash fire occurred Sept. 2, 2022, at the Newfoundland refinery, prompting an immediate response from Clarenville RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety investigators. Eight workers were transported to hospital with serious injuries when the explosion struck the facility.
Shawn Peddle, 47, of Clarenville, died in hospital six weeks after the blast. The seven other injured workers survived their injuries.
According to an RCMP news release issued the day of the explosion, the fire caused by the blast was contained, leaving “no further danger at the worksite” and all employees were accounted for. Emergency crews responded to the scene as authorities launched investigations into the cause.
The workplace safety charges were filed in summer 2024, nearly two years after the incident. Braya faces 10 occupational health and safety charges, while Lorneville faces three.
The trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 14 at provincial court in Clarenville. Both companies continue negotiations with Crown prosecutors to potentially resolve the charges before the scheduled trial date.
