MP Taylor Bachrach Renews Calls to Improve Rail Safety on 10th Anniversary of the Lac-Magantic Disaster

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Taylor Bachrach is continuing his fight to improve rail safety on the 10th anniversary of the Lac-Megantic tragedy.

On this day in 2013, a 73-car freight train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded in the middle of the small Quebec town.

It claimed 47 lives, and opened a serious discussion on the safety of Canada’s rail lines, which have been led by Bachrach in recent years.

Since the tragic incident, more than 9,000 rail accidents have been reported nation-wide, claiming more than 500 lives, and injuring just as many.

With rail traffic set to expand as LNG operations open up and begin shipping products, the issues could impact the Northwest more than ever.

With no response team stationed west of Prince George, any accident would be left for local fire crews to handle.

Last year, Bachrach headed up a report which brought forward 33 recommendations for improving rail safety.

None of those recommendations were referenced when the Liberal Government tabled their plan to do the same last November.