Reporters were given their first glimpse of “Ground Zero” in the Quebec town of Lac Megantic. Police allowed a small group of journalists inside the serucity perimeter to document and witness first hand the devastation caused by the train derailment, explosion and fire a week and a half ago. The reporters say the destruction was much worse than they expected and caused one local reporter to break down and cry.
The lawyer for the train’s engineer says his client is devastated by what happened, but is co-operating with authorities. The engineer’s role is a central question in ongoing investigations into the tragedy. Harding’s own company called him a hero one day, then announced he had been suspended amid concerns about his role in the disaster.
The death toll stands at 37 with 13 people still missing.