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In January of 2023, 1 District (St. Catharines/Thorold) detectives with the Niagara Regional Police Service began an investigation on an industrial fire/explosion call that occurred at Ssonix Products located at 20 Keefer Road, in the City of St. Catharines.  This company treats both hazardous and non-hazardous chemical waste.

A St. Catharines man in his 30s was transported from the scene in critical condition to an out of region hospital.  The man tragically died due to his injuries.

As a result of the continued joint investigation by detectives with 1 District, the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the St. Catharines Fire Department, the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Environment and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Urban Search and Rescue Team (UCRT), three people were arrested.

Steve BAKER (60 years old) and Sharon BAKER (61 years old) both of Petersburg, Ontario, as well as Tyler BAKER (38 years old) of Scotland, Ontario were arrested and charged with the following offences:

  • Criminal negligence causing Death
  • Arson by Negligence

All 3 were released on a Form 10-Undertaking and are expected to appear in court on January 3, 2025 at 9:00am at the Robert S.K. Welch Courthouse located at 59 Church Street in the City of St. Catharines.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009964.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online          

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Original Release: January 17, 2023

On January 17, 2023, at 6:35am, emergency services personnel responded to 20 Keefer Road in St Catharines for reports of explosions and a fire.

A St. Catharines man in his 30s was transported from the scene in critical condition to an out of region hospital.  The man tragically died due to his injuries.

The fire was extinguished but led to the evacuation of multiple area residents and businesses.

Detectives from the 1 District detective office of the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) are working with the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall, the St. Catharines Fire Service, the Ministry of Labour, and the Office of the Coroner to determine the circumstances and the cause of the explosion and fire.

Investigators are appealing to the public who may have video of the explosion and fire especially in its early stages.  Members of the public are asked to contact detectives by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009964.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.  Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to persons who contact the program with information which leads to an arrest.

Click Here for Crime Stoppers Online          

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