12 Jul 2013

Canadian train company criticised by provincial leaders

12:10 pm on 12 July 2013

Provincial leaders in Quebec have criticised the company whose runaway train leveled the center of the town of Lac-Megantic on Saturday.

The of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway chairman Ed Burkhardt toured the town on Tuesday and apologised for the accident.

But Mayor, Colette Roy-Laroche said company bosses should have arrived much sooner, and she is shocked Mr Burkhardt did not get in touch with her.

Quebec Premier, Pauline Marois said the behavior of the company and its president was "absolutely deplorable."

The MMA train was hauling 72 tanker cars of crude oil when it crashed early on Saturday and exploded.

The provincial government is allocating C$60 million in aid to the community.

Four bodies have been in the wreckage of the town centre, bringing the total to 24. Another 26 people are missing and presumed dead.

The ABC reports relatives have been asked to provide DNA samples.