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Sentencing in fatal boiler explosion delayed until 2014

Shift supervisor Peter Kennedy, 51 died after a boiler explosion on Oct. 19, 2009 at the Cliff Central Heating and Cooling Plant in Ottawa.

Sentencing has been delayed almost a year for a federal government department in connection with a fatal boiler explosion in Ottawa.

The Department of Public Works plead guilty to three Canada Labour Code health and safety violations related to the blast that killed 51-year-old Peter Kennedy on Oct. 19, 2009.

Kennedy was trying to reignite the boiler when it exploded, also bursting a steam tank. He suffered burns to 60 per cent of his body and died the next day in hospital.

Two others were injured.

READ MORE | Boiler explosion sentencing date to be set next week

Public Works pleads guilty to charges tied to fatal explosion

Public Works was expected to face the maximum $300,000 fine on Wednesday before the delay.

No reason was immediately available.

Sentencing was delayed last week while the department and the Crown tried to come to an agreement on an independent consultant who could review boiler operations in Ottawa and Gatineau.

Just last week, Judge David Paciocco sentencing had gone long enough and would go ahead without that report.