Big Valley Jamboree charged in fan's death

The provinceis charging operators of the Big Valley Jamboreeunder the Occupational Health and Safety Act in the death of a fan two years ago.

Three companies, Nashville's Premier Global Production Company, Panhandle Productions and a numbered Alberta company,share 33 charges in the stage collapse, which killed Donna Moore, 35, of Lloydminster, Alta.,and injured several workers.

The stage buckledafter a fast-moving stormhit the annual country music festival on Aug. 1, 2009.

The charges include failing to ensure the stage was designed properlyand failing to ensure the safety of workers.

Each charge carries a maximum $500,000 fine and six months in prison.

The charges comeon the final day of the two-year window in which charges could be laid becausethe case was so complex, said Barrie Harrison with Alberta Employment Health and Immigration.

Prosecutors rejected laying any criminal charges, he said.

The three companies are scheduled to appear in court in Camrose, Alta.on September 28.

Moore's childrenare suing the promoter, the City of Camrose and several companies for more than $5 million over the collapse.

An inspection of the 2011 Big Valley Jamboree work site found nohealth and safety issues.