NZ man on trial for fatal roof collapse in Poland

New Zealander Bruce Robinson has gone on trial in Poland, with ten others, for his role in a faulty roof that collapsed at a pigeon fair three years ago that killed 65 people.

The flat roof of the trade hall in the southern city of Katowice collapsed under a heavy layer of snow in January 2006.

Prosecutors said a faulty roof design and a lack of proper maintenance during harsh winter conditions were responsible for the accident. At the time of the collapse, about 1000 people were inside the building.

The defendants have all denied the charges.

The designers were charged with directly endangering the lives of the building's occupants and faced up to 12 years in prison.

The board members, including Robinson, were charged with proceeding with the event despite knowing about the faulty roof. They face up to eight years.

The building's inspector was charged with professional negligence and faced up to three years.

The trial in Katowice was expected to continue at least until January.

- NZPA