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OFFICIALS IN CANADA have found five bodies so far in their grim search for victims from the catastrophic derailment of an oil-laden cargo train, while 40 more are still missing.
Firemen in this picturesque Quebec lakeside town finally managed Sunday to put out the raging inferno sparked more than a day earlier when a driverless freight train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded, sending fireballs skyward and unleashing a wall of fire that tore through downtown homes and businesses.
That meant police finally would be able to conduct a full search of the charred wreckage at the disaster scene.
But the accident devastated the center of this small town 250 kilometers east of Montreal, near the US border, and forced about 2,000 to flee their homes there. Locals struggled to come to terms with the scope of the disaster.
Fire fighters continued to water smoldering rubble on Sunday. (AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS,Ryan Remiorz)
Many in this heavily Catholic area were unable to go to Sunday services because their church was squarely within the burned out area. The lucky ones headed to churches in nearby towns
A spokesman for the rail line, Christophe Journet, said the train had been stopped in the neighboring town of Nantes, around 13 kilometers west of Lac-Megantic, for a crew changeover.
For an unknown reason, Journet said, the train “started to advance, to move down the slope leading to Lac-Megantic,” even though the brakes were engaged.
As a result, “there was no conductor on board” when the train crashed, he said.
The MMA have said that their representatives are at the scene “in spite of statements that MMA people have not been available,” it said.
The company said they would also be launching their own investigation into the smash, but have been prevented from doing so while the government continue with their investigation.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Saturday offered his “thoughts and prayers” to the community, and said the federal government was ready to provide assistance.
The Red Cross also set up an emergency shelter at an area high schools to help those left homeless by the disaster.
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@Stephen Murphy: In the west, we get to see both sides and make up our mind what’s really happening. In Russia, there is only the line that they are on a liberation mission to free Ukraine from fascists. It is pretty clear that Russia’s line is – as Trump would call it – using alternative facts.
Brave are the journalists who enter those conflict zones to ensure truth and evidence is sought for the rest of us armchair critics. Well done Dan. Condolences to your family and friends. May you Rest In Peace.
@Niall O’Reilly: yes it’s very sad. Everyone is at risk in a war zone. I remember also the journalists machine gunned by the American attack helicopter during the illegal occupation of Iraq. If I recall correctly they then shot up a van with kids inside who tried to help the gunned down journalists. I think it’s always important to remember that it is the dehumanising of other people that makes it easier for soldiers to kill them and also that killing can be done far beyond the range that a press badge can be seen.
@Ivan Connolly: That clip is still available on YouTube but the journalist who exposed the crime is in a British prison on orders from the US, without charge or trial – Julian Assange.
@Willie Penwright: indeed which I think emphasises Stephen Murphys comment above which now seems to have been removed. It appears only one point of view is allowed here as well as Russia. But his comment was correct. Propaganda exists on all sides as do atrocities committed against civilian populations but for the most part the western media doesn’t seem to call those committed by the west, war crimes. The reality is that all powerful countries do as they want and as far as they are concerned, might is right and their respective media only ever see their side as righteous and the other as war criminals.
Such a handsome guy to have his life taken away by the Russian enemy….. RIP Brett, And condolences to his family and friends back home in the states who will be mourning his tragic death.
@Genera L Consensus: tell them to stay out of a warzone! He wasn’t there in an official capacity so there is more to this story than any of us will ever know.
This is absolutely not a black and white, good vs evil situation.
@Genera L Consensus: They’ve tried to protect them already by suggesting they leave/do not travel to Ukraine. War corresponding is a dangerous gig, it’s why these guys get paid big bucks. One oddity in the story is that he was employed by NYT, was wearing NYT I.D. badge, but NYT were very quick to point out he wasn’t in Ukraine on NYT’s behalf.
@Tommy Roche: im sure there is insurance on these guys, when on assignment, could be a reason to say out loud not on assignment, so no insurance payout. Or they are scared of Putin.
@Dan Broderick: Awful, rest in peace. Just couldnt do a simple RIP no? Another tin foiler convinced there’s something more when there’s not. Disgraceful.
@trebloc01: NATO hasn’t been attacked so why would it get involved in someon else’s war? Russia are struggling to take Ukraine there is no chance Putin is looking at his militaries performance in Ukraine and thinking of attacking any NATO state. So stop talking cr ap
@trebloc01: the war in Afghanistan will look small in comparison to would could happen.
And no NATO and the USA not are weak.
They will defend every inch of NATO territory and destroy Russia in a day, considering Russia is having a very difficult time against a vastly inferior military.
@trebloc01: half of those countries are NATO. The minute Russia sets foot in any NATO country their military will be torn to shreds. Ukraine are making a good fist of it by themselves but if Russia take on NATO directly they’ll be obliterated. Their only option will be nukes. Even then, they’ll be destroyed. I have no doubt there are people in the kremlin preparing to take Putin out should he show signs of moving in that direction.
@trebloc01: They weren’t wearing their Nato ensignia during the war on Afghanistan. That was an openly US operation. The Europeans were just there for a bit of training and sales opportunities for their arms industries.
Hate to be the one to say this but I will. I told you all so when Russia was building up its force on the Russian border that this was about to happen. Russia has pretty much used up the resources of its army on this little experiment and as long as it doesn’t get replenished from China. I’m convinced that China may take this opportunity to attack Russia on its eastern side. If Putin isn’t careful he could loose his Pacific sea access!
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