Police further criminal investigation into CTV Building collapse

Tuesday, 2 September 2014 - 1:28pm

National News

(Japanese and Chinese translations of this statement available via links at bottom of this media release)

Police has today confirmed it will be advancing the criminal investigation into the collapse of the CTV building in February 2011.

Detective Superintendent Peter Read said Police has advised the families of those who died in the building collapse of the decision. This had followed assessment and evaluation of a huge amount of information from a range of sources over the last 18 months.

"Based on this information, we now believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant further criminal investigation into the collapse of the CTV building in February 2011," Mr Read said.

"As part of our inquiries, Police has engaged the services of engineering consultants Beca to provide an expert opinion regarding the cause of the CTV building collapse. They were also asked to provide expert opinion on whether there were any serious departures from accepted standards by those involved in the building's design or construction that could amount to gross negligence.

"While Police are still awaiting some aspects of Beca's assessment, the bulk of this work has now been completed. Based on the work completed to date, Police have reached the view that there is sufficient information to warrant further criminal investigation."

"That said, there is still a significant amount of work to be done before any investigation can be completed, the potential outcome of which is unknown."

Mr Read said a group of investigators had been put together to gather more information and where necessary re-interview some of those who have previously given evidence at the Canterbury Earth Quake Royal Commission, as well as any others who could assist with the investigation.

"The additional material gathered during this phase of the investigation will assist Police in determining whether there is anyone who may be criminally culpable for the CTV building collapse."

"While it is still too early at this stage to put any timeframe around when that decision will be made, we will continue to keep all parties informed as we work through the process."

ENDS

Japanese and Chinese translations of this media statement are available on the police website www.police.govt.nz

CTV statement in Japanese - http://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/ctv-japanese-sstatement-sep-2014.pdf

CTV statement in Chinese - http://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/ctv-chinese-statement-sept-2014.pdf

© Scoop Media