Lac-Megantic prepares for memorial service three weeks after tragedy

LAC-MEGANTIC, Que. – About 1,000 people will pack a Lac-Megantic church this morning for a memorial service three weeks after a train derailment devastated the Quebec town.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston will be among the dignitaries attending the service.

The memorial is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at Ste-Agnes Church and will be presided over by Luc Cyr, the archbishop of Sherbrooke.

Some 700 places in the 1,000-seat church have been reserved for loved ones of the deceased, with the remaining pew spots set aside for locals, volunteers and dignitaries.

Forty-seven people were killed on July 6 when a train carrying crude oil careened off the tracks and exploded into an all-consuming fireball.

The tragedy has triggered several lawsuits, a police criminal investigation and a probe by federal transportation-safety officials.

Quebec and the federal government have each promised $60 million for emergency assistance and longer-term reconstruction help for the town.

Ottawa has also revamped some rules on train transport, following the advice of the federal Transportation Safety Board.