On a Saturday morning, the downtown area of Lac-Megantic in Quebec was met with a devastating accident. When a train car derailed and then exploded, more than fifteen people were killed and at least 30 buildings were reduced to ruins. There were still at least 40 people missing. Residents of the area lost their homes, places of business, and favorite shops in town, including the grocery store, municipal library, and the town's most popular bar.
A Historic Community Near Montreal
This bustling area of Quebec is home to 6,000 residents and is 250 kilometers from popular Montreal. Known as a historic center, Lac-Megantic was built around train tracks and is close to the U.S. border. What was once a charming, bustling village became unrecognizable — mainly a no-travel zone surrounding city hall and a pharmacy that was still standing.
The Investigation
It remained somewhat of a mystery what happened, especially since the train was inspected just one day before the accident. A criminal investigation was launched to determine the cause of the derailment and explosion. With so many questions unanswered, the community faced an agonizing wait for answers.
Moving Forward After Tragedy
With so many possessions gone forever, the residents had to find ways to return their lives to normal. Having reliable transportation became essential for those whose vehicles were destroyed. For long trips, when taking a train felt uncertain, many preferred driving themselves to their destination. Whatever your concerns about traveling, the most important thing is to stay safe.
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