Business faces 84 charges after deadly St. Catharines explosion

St. Catharines Fire Services has laid multiple charges against a chemical disposal business where a man died in an explosion earlier this year.

Ssonix Products 2010 Inc. is facing 84 offences and its three directors have each been charged with 21 counts following the deadly incident on Jan. 12 at the plant located at 20 Keefer Rd. in Port Weller.

The family of 37-year-old Ryan Konkin previously told CHCH News that he arrived to work early that day around 6:30 a.m. and the building exploded as he opened the door.

Paramedics transported Konkin to hospital with burns to 99 per cent of his body. He was put on life support but passed away the next morning.

“The charges laid in connection with the Keefer Road incident underscore our commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Fire Chief Dave Upper.

“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.”

READ MORE: Man dies after explosion, fire at St. Catharines waste facility: police

The first court appearance for Ssonix Products 2010 Inc. is scheduled for the end of September.

Upper says this appearance will mark the beginning of the court process to address the charges laid following the deadly explosion.

CHCH News contacted the owner of Ssonix Products 2010 Inc. and he refused to comment on the charges against the business.

READ MORE: Investigators ask public for video of fatal St. Catharines explosion, fire