Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Charges to proceed against coolstore directors

Updated at 3:02 pm on 27 March 2009

The Department of Labour has decided to proceed with charges against three directors of the Icepak Coolstore over a fatal fire at the facility in April 2008.

The company is also facing charges under the Health and Safety in Employment Act, following an explosion and fire at the coolstore that killed one fire officer and severely injured seven others.

At earlier court hearings, it was indicated that Icepak was in talks with the Department of Labour to drop the charges against the directors, Jan Van Eden, Wayne Grattan and Iain Slight.

On Friday in the Hamilton District Court, it was revealed the talks had come to nothing and the department has elected to proceed with the charges.

The company faces three charges and the directors one charge each.

Another company, Mobile Refrigeration Specialists and its director, Warren Cook are also charged.

All of the men and both companies have pleaded not guilty.

Copyright © 2009, Radio New Zealand