Sunrise propane report strengthens lawsuit: lawyer

The Toronto law firm involved in a class action in the Sunrise Propane explosion says a report by Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal's confirms negligence and liability in the blast that rocked a North York neighbourhood two years ago.

A copy of the fire marshal's report obtained by CBC News concludes that the Aug. 10, 2008, explosion innorth Torontowas accidental, and caused by a mechanical failure in a truck-to-truck transfer of propane.

But the report says such transfers are illegal as defined by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, the provincial regulator.

Therefore, the report findings substantiate theplaintiffs' lawsuit,said Harvin Pitch, a lawyer for Stevenson LLP, which is representing around 10,000 people who live near the site of the explosion.

The $300-million lawsuit targets among others Sunrise Propane, the owners of the site andthe Technical Standards and Safety Association.

"You're liable for an accident if you don't take care. And in addition, our basic claim is that there was a hazardous activity being carried on where such an action could occur and that's enough in liability," he said.

Thousands of people were evacuated from their homes after the blastand a large stretch of Highway 401 was closed for 12 hours.Firefighter Bob Leek died battling the blaze. Sunrise employee Parminder Singh Saini was also killed in the explosion.

About six minutes before the explosion, the leaked liquid propane turned to vapour, the report said. That vapour cloud ignited, but the investigators said they don't know the exact cause.

The report also says the authorities should reconsider allowing large propane depots in residential area something that pleases the local city councillor Maria Augimeri.

"Since the 1980s the cities have been asking the province to allow us to govern where these type of dangerous facilities can be located and you know our pleas have fallen on deaf ears," she said.