Ottawa, Canada – Two years after the tragic explosion at Eastway Tank, Pump and Meter in Ottawa, the upcoming trial is casting a shadow over the second anniversary of the incident that claimed the lives of six workers. The explosion on January 13, 2022, resulted in the deaths of Rick Bastien, Etienne Mabiala, Danny Beale, Kayla Ferguson, Russell McLellan, and Matt Kearney, who succumbed to his injuries in the hospital the next day.
Louise Martel, fiancée to Rick Bastien, keeps his ashes by her bedside and speaks to him daily. The upcoming anniversary holds special significance to her, as she plans to visit the site, release six balloons, play some songs, and lay fresh flowers in memory of her late partner and the other victims.
The trial against Neil Greene, the owner of Eastway, is set to begin on March 4 in Ottawa’s Ontario Court of Justice. The trial comes after the province’s Ministry of Labour charged Greene and the company with multiple counts under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including alleged failures to ensure worker safety and prevent hazards that led to the fatal explosion.
If convicted, Eastway could face a maximum fine of $1.5 million, with Greene facing a maximum fine of $100,000, jail time of up to 12 months, or both. Meanwhile, the emotional toll on the families of the victims continues as they seek closure and justice for their loved ones.
The Ottawa Police Service’s investigation into the blast is ongoing, and Transport Canada has confirmed that Eastway has not sought authorization to operate at a different location than the original site. The impact of the explosion is still being felt by the victims’ families, and the upcoming trial represents an opportunity for answers and accountability in the wake of the tragic loss of life.
Saturday marks two years since the explosion, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the longstanding impact of the incident. As the families and loved ones of the victims continue to grieve, they seek closure and hope for transparency and accountability in the upcoming trial and ongoing investigations.