Aecon Construction Group Incorporated has been fined 225 thousand dollars for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in an explosion that killed a 60 year old East Linton man.
In the fall of 2008, Union Gas contracted Aecon to install natural gas lines, and one of the homes being serviced was on Front Street in East Linton.
The home owned by John Walter, had a private propane service on the property, including a storage tank and some buried supply lines.
On September 25th, 2008, Aecon began installing the natural gas line.
The propane line had not been marked and was still in service.
In investigation shows the natural gas line was installed underground , but during the process, the blade of a plough severed the unmarked propane line.
Propane leaked through the soil and foundation of the house into the basement.
The next day, John Walter entered the basement and lit a candle, causing an explosion and fire.
Walter was blown out of the house and suffered third-degree burns, leading to his death.
Aecon Construction Group pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the owner of the propane service had located and marked the service prior to the excavation work.
