Small Canadian town marks 10th anniversary of train disaster

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – Residents of Lac-Megantic, Quebec were joined by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday to mark the 10th anniversary of a train disaster that destroyed the small town’s core and killed 47 people.

On July 5, 2013 at 1 am local time, a train with 72 cars loaded with crude oil derailed, and the force of the explosion and intense heat instantly vaporized some victims and leveled buildings in the downtown. Lac-Megantic is a town of about 6,000 people about 211 kilometers (131 miles) from Montreal just north of the Canada-US border.

Trudeau attended a Catholic mass of remembrance Thursday and issued a statement on the disaster.

“A decade ago today, one of the worst rail disasters in Canadian history took place when a freight train carrying crude oil derailed, caught fire, and exploded in the heart of the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec,” the statement read. “The tragedy took the lives of 47 people, forced hundreds of residents to evacuate, and destroyed much of the community’s downtown core.”

“On this solemn day, we remember the precious lives that were lost and think of the people of Lac-Mégantic who, 10 years later, continue to display strength and bravery as they endure the long-lasting traumatic impacts of this catastrophe.”

Residents of the French-Canadian town gathered at the exact time of the accident, 1 am, for a silent vigil and march. They carried LED lights as symbols of recognition of the victims.

Many had lost family or friends or both to the horrific explosion. There was nothing left behind by a number of victims who were vaporized by the intense heat.

The train derailed when the brakes failed on a parked train and it plunged down a hill into the town.

In the aftermath of the disaster, officials pledged to move the train tracks that run near the downtown, but they remain as a silent reminder of the tragedy.

Trains carrying crude oil still run on those tracks, leaving residents to fear another disaster.

Thursday, flowers were laid near the tracks. Other events were to be held over several days, including concerts and an exhibit detailing the town’s history.