Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. More Deaths Expected in Canada Oil Train Explosion Police in Canada say the death toll has risen to five, after a runaway train carrying crude oil derailed Saturday in eastern Quebec province. The derailment caused four of the train`s more than 70 cars to explode in the middle of the town, igniting fires that destroyed dozens of buildings, including stores and at least one bar. A police spokesman said 40 people are reported missing and the confirmed number of deaths will rise. The accident forced up to 2,000 people to evacuate from their homes - a third of Lac-Megantic`s 6,000 residents. The cause of the derailment is still not known. Canada`s transportation safety agency is investigating. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called the accident "shocking and truly devastating." He said his "thoughts and prayers" are with the people of Lac-Megantic and that the government is ready to provide assistance. Last week, Canada suffered another derailment of a train carrying petroleum products. The train went off track in Calgary, Alberta, when a flood-damaged bridge sagged toward the still-swollen Bow River. The derailed rail cars were able to be removed without spilling their cargo. __________________________________________________________________ [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/more-deaths-expected-in-canada-oil-tr ain-explosion/1696800.html References 1. http://www.voanews.com/content/more-deaths-expected-in-canada-oil-train-explosion/1696800.html