The operator and a contractor of the Come By Chance refinery have admitted to violating occupational health and safety regulations following a fatal flash fire over three years ago.
Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Inc. pleaded guilty to not ensuring the adherence to safe work procedures, with nine other charges being conditionally dropped by the Crown.
Lorneville Mechanical Contractors also admitted to a similar charge, with two other charges being conditionally withdrawn.
Judge Mark Pike accepted the guilty pleas, despite both companies initially pleading not guilty.
A 21-day trial set to commence on Tuesday has been postponed, with proceedings rescheduled to take place next month for factual presentations and sentencing in Clarenville.
Crown prosecutor Shawn Patten mentioned an increase in expected victim impact statements during the upcoming proceedings, with Braya’s hearing set for November 18 and Lorneville’s for November 19.
A tragic explosion occurred at the Come By Chance refinery on September 2, 2022, resulting in eight workers sustaining serious injuries. Sadly, Shawn Peddle, a 47-year-old worker from Clarenville, passed away six weeks later in a St. John’s hospital.
On the third anniversary of Shawn Peddle’s death, both Braya and Lorneville entered their guilty pleas to safety charges related to the incident.
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