On July 12, 2021, Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook, Eric Stemmer, Patrick Stemmer and Brad Zawislak were killed in the Kelowna crane collapse, one of the deadliest workplace incidents in BC history.
For five long years, family, friends and colleagues of the victims have been in mourning and waiting for answers. But they still don’t know what happened on that tragic day.
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 (IUOE 115) is demanding answers and justice now.
“The families have waited long enough,” said Bryan Railton, Business Manager for IUOE 115. “Justice delayed is justice denied. At this point, this five-year delay seems like a complete failure of the system.”
In February of 2024, the RCMP recommended charges of criminal negligence causing death. Those recommendations were sent to the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS). Now, nearly two and a half years later, the BCPS has still not acted on those police recommendations.
All details from the RCMP and WorkSafeBC investigations remain sealed.
“We call upon the BC Prosecution Service to deliver an immediate resolution,” said Railton. “We also ask Attorney General Niki Sharma to use all powers at her disposal to move this case forward.”
IUOE 115 has launched a letter-writing campaign advocating for immediate action from the BC Prosecution Service.
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