Officials are investigating who is at fault for the disastrous runaway freight-train crash Sunday in Lac-Megantic, Quebec. The train, with no conductor on board, rolled down a steep hill and into the town before exploding. The disaster left at least 15 dead, 45 missing, and the town destroyed.
The train, which was transporting gallons of crude oil, was owned by Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway. Edward Burkhardt, the CEO of the company, has been receiving hate mail. His arrival to the town Wednesday was met with angry reactions by townspeople, including yelling and name-calling.
According to USA Today, Burkhardt does not believe that one of the trains engineers set the handbrakes correctly like he claimed he did.
"I think he did something wrong. It's hard to explain why someone didn't do something. We think he applied some hand brakes but the question is did he apply enough of them," Burkhardt said. "He said he applied 11 hand brakes we think that's not true. Initially we believed him but now we don't."
This engineer is now on suspension without pay.
CNN reports that Quebec policeman say they no longer believe this event was an accident and they now suspect foul play.
Businesses that have not been completely damaged reopened in the town Wednesday morning, and about 1200 residents have been given permission to return to their homes. Because of possible safety issues, about 800 residents still remain evacuated.
Photo courtesy of CNN