Charges Essentially Dismissed in Fatal Stage Collapse

The Crown has “stayed” almost three dozen charges against three companies in a fatal stage collapse at a country music festival, claiming there was no reasonable chance of conviction. (The charges could be reactivated if significant new evidence becomes available within one year.) Most of the charges related to failing to ensure the health and safety of workers. One woman was killed and more than a dozen people were injured. A civil lawsuit on behalf of the woman’s sons is still pending [Clark Builders, the Canadian Press, Jan. 23, 2012].