3 people charged in St. Catharines, Ontario, over explosions at a waste treatment plant that killed a worker

Niagara Regional Police say three people have been charged in connection with explosions at a hazardous waste facility that killed an employee.

Emergency crews were called to Ssonix Products in the early morning hours of January 12, 2023, following a series of explosions and fire. The explosions caused nearby homes to be evacuated while crews worked to extinguish the fire.

Ryan Konkin, 37, the only person in the building at the time, was taken to the hospital and later died from his injuries.

As a result of an “continuing joint investigation” by police, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, local fire departments, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ontario Provincial Police, three people have been charged with “criminal negligence causing death,” according to a police news release Monday, “arson through negligence.”

The company’s website states that its scope of activity includes the production of gasoline, kerosene, distilled fuel oils, fuel oil residues and lubricants.

In September last year, Ssonix Products and three directors were charged with a total of 84 charges under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

It was also published by the Ministry of Labor 11 requirements and one order to Ssonix Products early last year.

Decisions are issued when a ministry inspector finds a violation of the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Some examples include removing debris to prevent tripping hazards or to protect workers from electrical hazards.

Requirements are orders issued when an inspector needs to obtain information or check compliance. Examples include requiring documents or keeping employees away from the scene.

Konkin’s fiancée, Natalia Sepúlveda-Lastra, described him as funny and “hard-working.” Hamilton told CBC last year that the first responders who treated him heard his last words.

“He managed to tell the nurses, ‘All I did was open the door.’ I wish I was the one who heard it,” she said last March.