There is no question that trains play an important role in our society. In addition to providing transportation to humans from one location to another, they also are regularly used to move products across the country, even the continent. While in many cases these voyages are made without incident, at times accidents do occur. It is likely that many in the Pittsburgh area have heard about the catastrophic incident that took place north of the United States’ border, earlier this week. 

A train carrying oil derailed in a small Canadian community, causing death and destruction. The crash led to at least five explosions which caused large fires leaving some to describe the area as looking like a “war zone.” So far there have been reports of at least five deaths though due to the number of people still missing after the incident, it is likely that number will rise.

While there is no question that an investigation will be conducted regarding the fatal accident, initially it appears that 72 tanker cars filled with oil became disconnected from the train that was transporting them. When this happened, the cars proceeded to travel several miles down tracks that were on a hill. When they reached the bottom of the hill, where the town happened to be situated, the speed at which they were travelling caused the cars to derail, crashing into the community. It is unclear what caused the tanker cars to come unattached.

At the time of the accident, it is likely that many people were in the area enjoying themselves at restaurants and bars. Many of the individuals who were said to be at these area establishments are apparently those who are now missing.

While this incident did not occur in the Pittsburgh area, it is easy to imagine how it could. Such a tragedy seems likely to prompt wrongful death lawsuits by the loved ones of individuals who perished in the tragic event.

Source: MassLive, “40 still missing in deadly Canada rail crash, fire,” The Associated Press, July 7, 2013