It’s almost one year since the oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 workers and caused the biggest offshore spill in U.S. history. A recent news report says the federal government is consolidating its efforts to bring criminal charges against the company and perhaps some of its managers.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil lawsuit against BP in December.
Now comes word from Bloomberg news that federal prosecutors are considering whether to pursue manslaughter charges against BP managers for decisions leading to the explosion.
The report says prosecutors have been looking into charges of involuntary manslaughter or seaman’s manslaughter, which carries a more serious penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
At issue: Decisions by BP managers leading up to the explosion that may have sacrificed safety for speed and cost savings.
A presidential commission identified 11 decisions at Deepwater Horizon that saved time and increased risks. Seven of those decisions were made by BP managers on shore.
The investigation is being conducted by a DOJ criminal division task force. The department moved recently to consolidate management of the probe.
Do you think BP and/or its managers should face criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, in connection with the deaths of 11 workers due to the Deepwater Horizon explosion? Let us know what you think in the Comments Box below.