The Coroner’s Inquest for the Babine Forest Products Sawmill started today, regarding the explosion that killed Robert Luggi and Carl Charlie in January 2012.
Around 80 people filled the Island Gospel Fellowship to hear today’s witnesses.
Luggi’s wife, Maureen, spoke of her late husband, describing him as a hard worker, who will be remembered for his humour and kindness. She said he was the person to cheer co-workers up and loved to do Christmas shopping for his children and grand-children.
Maureen said experienced discrimination in the workplace and filed grievances to BC Human Rights in November – December 2011, months before the fire.
Charlie’s sister, Lucy Campbell, referred to her brother as someone known for his smiles, hugs, handshakes, and waves.
She said Carl wasn’t scheduled to work on the day of his death but was a “hard worker” and picked up the extra shift to support his children.
Luggi and Charlie contributed 22 and 18.5 years to the Mill, respectively.
The inquest is designed to uncover facts about the incident, not to prosecute.
48 people will speak at the inquest between today and July 31st.