Coolstore fire sentencing starts

Two companies and a company director appeared for sentencing over the fatal Icepak coolstore fire in Hamilton District Court today.

Department of Labour charges followed an explosion and fire at Icepak's coolstore in the Hamilton suburb of Tamahere in April last year that left firefighter Derek Lovell dead and seven other firefighters injured.

Icepak director Wayne Grattan has pleaded guilty to a charge brought under the Health and Safety in Employment Act.

Icepak Coolstores Ltd and Tauranga-based refrigeration company Mobile Refrigeration Services have also pleaded guilty to similar charges.

Sentencing started today and is expected to resume tomorrow morning.

- NZPA