Lac-Megantic prepares large memorial service

LAC-MEGANTIC, Que. – The parish priest in a small Quebec town struck by a deadly rail disaster says an upcoming memorial ceremony will give the community its first opportunity to pause and grieve together.

Ste-Agnes Church in Lac-Megantic will hold a Roman Catholic mass and memorial service Saturday to remember the victims of the July 6 train derailment that killed an estimated 47 people.

Father Steve Lemay says there is still a lot of suffering in the town of 6,000 and that there are no words to make sense of such an event.

Rail tankers carrying millions of litres of crude oil smashed into the heart of the town, triggering a series of explosions and engulfing the area in fire.

Organizers of the service have reserved 700 places in the 1,000-seat church for loved ones of the derailment victims.

Remaining pew spots in the church have been set aside for locals, volunteers and dignitaries.

Two big-screen TVs will be set up outside the church and will broadcast the ceremony live.

Maine Governor Paul LePage is expected to be among those at the service.