Criminal charges laid against Saultite in Elliot Lake mall collapse

Robert Wood, an engineer with Sault-based M.R. Wright who signed off on an inspection of the Algo Centre mall in Elliot Lake about a month before its partial collapse, faces criminal neglect charges in relation to that collapse.

The collapse killed two women and injured several others say witnesses who testified before an inquiry that began in March of last year.

A video exhibit using graphics combined with live footage of the collapse, was prepared for OPP by engineering firm NORR, and can be viewed above.

*Warning - the video may be disturbing to some.

In April of last year Wood was also charged under the Occupational Health and Safety Act in relation to the mall partial collapse.

The full text of a release from the Ontario Provincial Police follows.

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ELLIOT LAKE, ON - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged one person following the investigation into the fatal roof collapse in Elliot Lake.

Two lives were tragically lost at the Algo Centre Mall on June 23, 2012.

Following the initial stages of the death investigation, information obtained by members of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) led to a criminal investigation commencing on July 3, 2012.

At a brief media conference in Elliot Lake today, police announced they have charged Robert Wood, aged 64 years of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with two counts of Criminal Negligence Causing Death and one count of Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm, and is expected to appear in court in Elliot Lake on March 25, 2014.

The OPP will not be commenting further on the specific aspects of the investigation that led to the charges as the investigation is ongoing.

Information regarding the OPP role during the emergency response is contained within the minutes of the ongoing public inquiry.

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