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7/7/2021
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday issued a statement to mark the eighth anniversary of the Lac-Megantic rail tragedy and highlight the need for completion of the rail bypass project.
On July 6, 2013, in the middle of the night, a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded in the center of Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The accident left 47 people dead and destroyed much of the downtown.
"On this solemn anniversary, we honor the memory of the victims of this railway disaster — the deadliest in our country’s modern history," Trudeau said. "My thoughts, and the thoughts of all Canadians, are with the residents of Lac-Megantic as we remember this event that shook the entire country."
To ensure that such a tragedy never happens again, the Canadian government is working with the government of Quebec and regional municipalities to complete the Lac-Megantic rail bypass project, he said.
The prime minister also noted the recent signing of an agreement with Canadian Pacific that will allow the rail bypass project to be completed in 2023, despite pandemic-related challenges.
A year ago, Lac-Megantic officials inaugurated a public memorial space to commemorate those who died in the tragedy.