A total of 84 charges have been laid against Ssonix Products, and its three directors, with 21 counts each in connection with the explosion and massive fire on Keefer Road in Port Weller on Jan. 12, 2023.
The fire killed Ryan Konkin, 37, who was badly burned and died at Sunnybrook Hospital the next day.
He was the only employee on the premises of the company, which stored hazardous mateiral, when the first explosion occurred at about 6:35 a.m., followed by more explosions that went on for about 45 minutes and were heard throughout Virgil and as far away as Youngstown, New York.
"The charges laid in connection with the Keefer Road incident underscore our commitment to keeping our community safe,” said St. Catharines Fire Chief Dave Upper in an announcement Thursday, Aug. 31.
“We will continue to work diligently to ensure a thorough and fair legal process. Our thoughts remain with those affected by this incident as we move towards a resolution."
There was no information released about the specific charges laid by St. Catharines Fire Services.
The first court appearance is scheduled for the end of September 2023. This appearance will mark the beginning of the court process to address the charges laid following the events at Keefer Road earlier this year.