Lac-Mégantic prepares for 10th anniversary of Canada’s worst train disaster

In the early morning hours of July 6, 2013, a train carrying crude oil derailed in the heart of Lac-Mégantic, a small town in southeastern Quebec, triggering an explosion that killed 47 people.

As the town prepares to commemorate the 10th anniversary of one of the worst rail disasters in Canadian history – they say visitors are welcome – but remind them, there are real people behind the tragedy.

“Just be respectful of the staff cause some of them may have deep wounds that are not necessarily healed and will never,” said Martin Lacombe, co-owner of the Musi-Café.

“It is sad, but I can see that people have hope and people are coming out of this even stronger. I’m incredibly proud of the community around here.”

Almost two-thirds of the victims died at the Musi-Café. It was rebuilt and changed ownership last year.

It’s still a popular bar and restaurant that has seen even more tourists since a series about the disaster was released this year.

“I was fortunate enough that I was not there at that moment. We’re the new owners. Since we’re a little bit removed it’s easier for us to support our staff,” said Lacombe.

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They say they’ve noted some inappropriate behaviour, but the large majority of tourists are respectful.

“It gets to be very awkward for the staff and customers in the restaurants. We’ve seen people taking selfies of the train going by. And at the corner of the bar there was a guy that was there when everything happened 10 years so there was a very deep discomfort but 99 per cent of the time people are very respectful.”

Social workers have been mandated to help locals prepare.

“A lot of visitors will ask ‘did you lose someone in the tragedy?’ When we get that question asked once in a day it can be ok, but when we are asked that question 15 times in a day, it can become difficult to always be confronted to this grief,” Julie Morin, Mayor of Lac-Mégantic in French.

“Because everyone here knew someone. It’s not necessary to ask the question. Everyone here knew someone. But it remains an exception – it’s important to say the large majority of people are respectful.”

A mass and commemorative concert is planned. The town church will be open 24 hours from July 5 to 6, and there will be a silent walk to reach the church at 1:15 a.m. The time of the derailment.

“The church the day after the tragedy was very important. It quickly became a place of reference. So the church is really at the heart of the commemoration,” said Morin.

An exhibit has also been set up a the town’s historical train station.