Charges laid in fatal Toronto stage collapse; engineer, 3 companies face 13 counts
Posted Jun 7, 2013 03:41:33 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – A total of 13 charges have been laid in connection with a deadly stage collapse a year ago at Downsview Park in Toronto.
The charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act name Live Nation Canada Inc., Live Nation Ontario Concerts GP Inc., Optex Staging and Services Inc., and an engineer.
Part of the massive outdoor structure came crashing down last June 16 during setup for a Radiohead concert, killing a British drum technician and injuring three other workers.
The falling debris crushed Scott Johnson, a drum technician in his 30s, whom the band called “a highly skilled and valued member” of its road crew.
Live Nation Canada, Live Nation Ontario and Optex Staging each face four counts alleging they failed to ensure the stage structure was being built in a safe manner.
The engineer faces one count of endangering a worker as a result of allegedly negligent or incompetent advice or certification.
An Ontario Ministry of Labour spokesman said a first appearance is scheduled for the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto on June 27.
Radiohead postponed a portion of its European tour last year following Johnson’s death.
