No criminal charges coming for jobsite trench collapse that left worker dead

Liam Johnston. (Credit: Emily Gofton)

The company that employed a worker who was killed on a jobsite will not face criminal charges.

The incident happened when a trench collapsed in 2023, in the Calgary community of Charleswood.

Liam Johnston, an apprentice plumber, did not survive.

The company, Mr. Mike’s Plumbing, is charged with eleven offences under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The company has pleaded not guilty and is headed to trial next summer.

But the Calgary Police Service tells CTV News there is not sufficient evidence to support criminal charges, following consultation with Crown prosecutors.

Johnston’s family say they are deeply shocked and saddened criminal charges will not be laid.

In a statement, they say, “This is the most difficult news we have had to digest after learning that Liam was buried alive.”