Quebec government seeks $409 million from train company in Lac Megantic disaster

QUEBEC – The Quebec government is adding its name to a list of creditors seeking money from the insolvent railway company at the heart of the Lac-Megantic train disaster.

The government says it is seeking $409 million from the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway for expenses incurred and yet to come stemming from the tragedy.

The government says the amount includes $126 million it has already spent and another $283 million for expenses it expects down the road.

It says in a statement the latter amount could change depending on how much is actually spent.

Forty-seven people were killed after a runaway train hauling tanker cars loaded with volatile crude oil broke loose and barrelled into the town in the early morning hours of July 6.

Three employees and the insolvent company itself have been charged criminally in the case.