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New owner of rail line involved in deadly Quebec explosion plans to ship oil again

May 16 2014 12:32 AM

CP28390928 — FILE - In this July 6, 2013 photo, smoke rises from flaming railway cars that were carrying crude oil after it a train derailed in downtown Lac Megantic, Quebec, Canada. A large swath of the town was destroyed after the derailment, sparking several explosions and fires that claimed 47 lives. John Giles, top executive of Central Maine and Quebec Railway, that purchased the railroad responsible for the derailment, said Friday, May 16, 2014 that they plan to resume oil shipments after track safety improvements are made. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson, File)

Original Publication Date: May 16, 2014 12:32AM

Publication Updated: January 8, 2025 11:11PM

PORTLAND, Maine – The new owner of the railroad responsible for a fiery oil train derailment that claimed 47 lives in Quebec says he plans to restart oil shipments after making safety improvements.

John Giles, CEO of the Central Maine and Quebec Railway, told The Associated Press on Friday that the company must first make track improvements.

He hopes to have an agreement with Lac Megantic, Quebec, within 10 days to resume shipments of non-hazardous goods, restoring the vital link between rail to the east and west. The company’s timetable calls for resuming oil shipments in 18 months.

Giles’ company closed on the sale of U.S. assets of the bankrupt Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway on Thursday. The firm is expected to close of the Canadian assets in a couple of weeks.

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