More needed to protect communities from rail disasters

Almost 12 years after the deadly Lac-Mégantic crash, Ottawa has made some improvements to rail safety, but many serious issues remain.

On July 6, 2013, a 72-car crude oil train parked on a hill above the Quebec town of Lac- Mégantic lost its brakes, ran away, and exploded in the town, killing 47 people and destroying much of the civic centre.Photograph courtesy of the Transportation Safety of Board Canada/Flickr

Opinion

BY NDP MP TAYLOR BACHRACH

April 2, 2025

The horrific Lac-Mégantic rail disaster remains burned into Canadians' collective memory. On the night of July 6, 2013, a 72-car crude-oil train parked on a hill above the Quebec town lost its brakes, ran away, and exploded in Lac-Mégantic, killing 47 people and destroying...

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Tuesdays: Innovation & Industry Newsletter

The policies, decisions, and people working on investment and regulation in the industry and innovation realm.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy