Lac-Mégantic disaster class-action suit gets green light
Plaintiffs told they cannot sue Irving Oil or now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway
A class-action lawsuit has been approved almost two years after a train derailment and explosion killed 47 people in Lac-Mégantic, Que.
But the Quebec Superior Court justice's ruling means it is far more limited in scope.
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.
In January, victims of the rail disaster reached a major financial settlement with Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada.
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 Mégantic residents — Guy Ouellet, Serge Jacques and Louis-Serge Parent — on behalf of all the victims.
The exact amount being sought will be determined at a later date.