Man charged over Eagle Farm Racecourse deaths
A MAN has been charged with two counts of manslaughter after two construction workers were killed at a Brisbane racecourse last month.
A CONSTRUCTION boss charged with the manslaughter of two of his workers has been granted bail by a magistrate, despite being arrested trying to leave the country.
Police detained Claudio D’Alessandro at Brisbane Airport on Monday, as he waited to board a flight to the Philippines.
The 58-year-old Gold Coast man was subsequently charged with two counts of manslaughter, stemming from the deaths of Ashley Morris, 34 and Humberto Leite, 55, who were crushed to death by a 10 tonne slab of concrete at Eagle Farm Racecourse last month.
D’Alessandro, who the court heard has 40 years of experience in the construction industry, was overseeing the project Mr Morris and Mr Leite were working on.
It is alleged his negligent work processes contributed to the industrial tragedy.
Mr Morris and Mr Leite were working in a construction pit, when the slab fell on them.
The court heard their only means of escape was a steel extension ladder.
It also heard there were no braces in place on the concrete panels.
Magistrate Anthony Gett granted D’Alessandro bail, saying he did not consider him a flight risk.
“It is clear that the allegation concerns the defendant’s criminal responsibility as director and supervisor to the two deceased workers,” he added.
“The matter is still in the investigation stage and significant investigations are to continue.” D’Alessandro sat in the dock with his hands clasped in his lap throughout the hearing.
The case has been adjourned to December 12.
Seven ambulances and firetrucks rushed to the middle of the Ascot racecourse on October 6 in the wake of the fall but the men could not be saved.