Smoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac-Megantic Que., on Saturday, July 6. The photo shows bright flames and large clouds of smoke rising in an eerie yellowish light.

Smoke rises from railway cars that were carrying crude oil after derailing in downtown Lac-Megantic Que., on Saturday, July 6.
Photo Credit: CBC

Lac-Megantic disaster named top 2013 story

Last summer’s deadly train derailment in Lac-Megantic, Quebec has been chosen Canada’s 2013 News story of the year.

The derailment and horrendous aftermath in which much of the town centre was incinerated and 47 people were killed received more than 30 per cent of the votes in the annual survey of editors and news directors by The Canadian Press.

The runaway train–hauling crude oil–careened off the tracks and exploded, levelling dozens of buildings on July 6.

The Senate spending scandal placed second in the survey. It received 24 per cent of the votes.

Toronto’s mayor, Rob Ford, finished third with 23 per cent of the vote.

Rounding out the top five were the Alberta floods (12.9 per cent) and Charbonneau Commission investigating corruption in Quebec (2.4 per cent).

About 120 Canadian news organizations took part in the survey.

Categories: Environment & Animal Life
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