A CARE home operator and a charitable trust have been charged with corporate manslaughter in connection with a fatal boating incident at Roadford Lake.

Emergency services were called to an incident at the lake, near Okehampton on June 8, 2022, after a ‘Wheelyboat’ capsized on the lake.

It had been carrying a group on a day trip from Burdon Grange Care Home in Beaworthy.

Wheelchair users Alex Wood, 43, and Alison ‘Ali’ Tinsley, 63, both drowned in the incident.

A third woman, in her 50s was left with serious injuries after the incident.

Burdon Grange Care Home and South West Lakes Trust, based in Bude, have each been charged by postal requisition with corporate manslaughter and an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The care home has been charged with an offence under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relating to an alleged failure to ensure, as far as was reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its employees.

The trust has been charged with an offence under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act, relating to an alleged failure to conduct its undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as was reasonably practicable, that persons not in its employment were not exposed to risks to their health or safety.

The first court hearing will take place at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 11.

Responding to the confirmation of the charges, a representative from Burdon Grange Care Home acknowledged the charges, adding: “Our thoughts remain with the families of the two residents who died and with everyone affected by the tragedy. We remain committed to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care for our residents and to supporting their families and our team.”

It added that there would be no further comment during the legal proceedings.