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Marchers demand sawmill inquiry

Protesters marched from Parkwood Mall to the courthouse on Wednesday to demand a provincial inquiry into two sawmill explosions and fires.
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Protesters prepare to march from Parkwood Mall to the Prince George Courthouse to demand a public inquiry into the explosions at Lakeland Mills and Babine Forest Products that killed four workers and injured many more.

Protesters marched from Parkwood Mall to the courthouse on Wednesday to demand a provincial inquiry into two sawmill explosions and fires.

The event, called a "walk for justice," was organized by workers at Lakeland Mills and Babine Forest Products and the families of those killed and injured in the explosions.

On Jan. 20, 2012, an explosion and fire ripped through Babine Forest Products near Burns Lake, killing Carl Charlie, 42, and his co-worker Robert Luggi, 45, and injuring 20 other workers.

Three months later, on April 23, 2012, a similar explosion and fire struck Lakeland Mills in Prince George. Glenn Roche, 46, and Alan Little, 43, died from injuries in that event and 22 other Lakeland employees also suffered injuries.

After receiving reports from WorkSafeBC, provincial Crown counsel has decided to not pursue charges against the owners of either mill while the provincial government has resisted calls for a public inquiry.

Supporters of a public inquiry, which have included Opposition New Democrat leader Adrian Dix, say it will provide more thorough answers and recommendations to prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.

"I believe an independent inquiry is needed to learn where the system has failed the workers in the months before the explosion, the night of the explosion and the investigation after the explosion," Roche's widow, Ronda, said in a statement.

There is a possibility the two disasters will be folded into a single inquest. B.C.'s Chief Coroner, Lisa Lapointe has said she remains confident an inquest is the "best venue to address the many important questions and concerns raised about the explosion and resulting deaths."