NZer charged over Polish roof collapse questioned

Polish prosecutors are yet to decide whether to seek custody of a New Zealander charged over the collapse of an exhibition hall last month which killed 65 people.

New Zealand-born Bruce Robinson is managing director of Expomedia, the London-based parent company of International Katowice Fairs (MTK) which owned the building.

The snow-covered roof of the hall in the southern city of Katowice collapsed January 28 during an international racing pigeon fair that had drawn visitors from across Europe. Another 140 people were hurt.

Robinson was detained for questioning on Tuesday with two other managers.

A Polish journalist told National Radio the two other managers are in custody, but Robinson is still being questioned and prosecutors have not said if they are going to ask for investigative custody or if he will be released.

The three have been charged with unintentionally endangering life through negligence. If found guilty they could be jailed for up to eight years.

"It's probably going to be a very lengthy process because evidence is still being gathered," the journalist said.

" ...The public prosecutor has admitted not all the facts are in place.

"This is going to be something that will drag on for a long time through the courts I believe," he said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman Helen Tunnah said yesterday New Zealand Embassy officials in Poland had contacted Mr Robinson's lawyer.

Embassy officials had conveyed a message to Mr Robinson through his lawyer, but he had not yet asked for consular assistance, she said.

The embassy will continue to monitor the case, including to ensure Mr Robinson has ongoing legal representation.

- NZPA