SHERBROOKE, Que. – A class-action lawsuit has been approved almost two years after a train derailment and explosion killed 47 people in Lac-Megantic, Quebec.
But the Quebec Superior Court justice’s ruling means it is far more limited in scope.
READ MORE: Lac-Megantic: 2 years on, Canada-U.S. agree new train standards
Justice Martin Bureau has given the plaintiffs permission to go after only two companies – World Fuel Services and Canadian Pacific Railway.
Initially, the legal action targeted 37 different parties, including Irving Oil, the now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway and its former president, Edward Burkhardt.
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In January, victims of the rail disaster reached a major financial settlement with Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada.
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The lawsuit alleges CPR was negligent and there was a lack of prudence in all circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The lawsuit was filed by three Lac Megantic residents, Guy Ouellet, Serge Jacques and Louis-Serge Parent, on behalf of all the victims.
READ MORE: Lac-Megantic settlement is just a fraction of what’s needed, town says
The exact amount being sought will be determined at a later date.
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