Crane operator charged in deadly workplace accident
Warning: Content in this article may be disturbing.
The case against a crane operator facing criminal charges after a workplace accident claimed the life of a construction worker in Barrie three years ago remains before the courts.
However, on Wednesday, the Crown confirmed criminal charges against North Steel, the company allegedly responsible for the crane at a Dunlop Street construction site on June 24, 2021, were withdrawn. It was also learned that the occupational health and safety charges against Donald Balkwill, the crane operator, have been stayed.
According to police, 52-year-old Corey Phillips died at the Dunlop Street West job site near Boys Street when a crane tipped over and killed him.
More than a year later, police charged Balkwill and North Steel with criminal negligence causing death in the case.
Police said the company supplied and installed steel beams at the site.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
They also shared that officers and the Ministry of Labour investigated and determined that the crane fell over, knocking Phillips down and pinning him under the beams.
Police said it was believed Balkwill wasn't licensed to operate the crane, which they alleged had been mechanically altered.
A GoFundMe set up for Phillips' family raised more than $15,000. The campaign said Phillips was a loving husband, father, brother, friend, son, uncle, cousin, colleague and grandfather.
Balkwill is scheduled to appear in June. The allegations against him have not been proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Chants of 'shame on you' greet guests arriving for the annual White House correspondents' dinner
An election-year roast of U.S. President Joe Biden before journalists, celebrities and politicians at the annual White House correspondents' dinner Saturday.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Health minister 'deeply appreciative' of doctors but capital gains changes here to stay
Health Minister Mark Holland says while he is 'deeply appreciative' of the work doctors in Canada do, the federal government has no plans to scrap the proposed capital gains tax changes outlined in the latest budget, despite opposition from the Canadian Medical Association.
A top Qatari official urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a ceasefire deal
A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show "more commitment and more seriousness" in ceasefire negotiations in interviews with Israeli media, as pressure builds on both sides to move toward a deal that would set Israeli hostages free and bring potential respite in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza.