Even though Inco Ltd. has initiated wide-sweeping changes since Gord Heffern?s death, a coroner?s inquest was expected to make numerous
recommendations following a four-day inquest, which wrapped up Thursday at the Sudbury courthouse.
Heffern, 46, was badly burned following a fire and explosion outside Inco?s nickel refinery July 27,2001. He died two days later in hospital.
Heffern had turned opened and closed a large valve to try and purge a six-inch diameter, high-pressure oxygen line in preparation for a summer shutdown when the accident took place.
The inquest heard hydrocarbon grease, which should not have been anywhere near the valve or oxygen line, ignited and exploded.
The inquest jury was deliberating and in the process of making recommendations Thursday afternoon at Northern Life deadline.
Read Sunday?s edition for a full report on this tragic story.
