155 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 7/22/13:

Canada's Transportation Safety Board issues advisories in wake of Quebec derailment

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) on Friday announced it issued two "urgent safety advisories" to Transport Canada associated with its ongoing investigation into the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) derailment that occurred July 6 in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.

This is where to look.

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 7/26/13:

Canadian Minister of Transport Raitt meets with elected officials from Mégantic region

Yesterday, Canadian Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt met with elected officials from Mégantic region to hear their concerns regarding rail safety in the wake of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway derailment that occurred July 6 in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.

Here is this story.

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 7/24/13:

Quebec derailment fallout: Efforts to improve rail safety emerge in Canada, U.S.

Transport Canada yesterday announced it issued an emergency directive aimed at improving rail safety in the wake of the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway derailment that occurred July 6 in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec.

Read more here.

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 8/2/13:

Quebec accident: TSB nears end of field investigation; Maine representatives push PHMSA for rail safety review

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is wrapping up its on-site operations at the location of the deadly Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway derailment in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, the board announced yesterday.

Full story here.

[Sloan]

My summer of '68 (or: How a string of tank cars almost killed me!)

Written by Tony Kruglinski

Those of you who know me well know that I was a brakeman on the Penn Central Railroad while in college. That was 45 years ago, but the recent crude-by-rail disaster in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, has had me thinking back to my own near disaster involving tank cars in the summer of '68.

http://www.railwayag...html?channel=00

[Sloan]

MMAR CAN’T PAY FOR LAC MÉGANTIC CLEAN-UP

Chairman Edward Burkhardt of MMAR has indicated that his company does not have the means to fund the clean up, estimated at C$8 million.

http://www.railwaysa...antic-clean-up/

[KevinKorell]

Progressive Railroading, 8/8/13:

Quebec accident: Montreal, Maine & Atlantic files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, stops moving crude oil

Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway Ltd. (MMA) yesterday announced it filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maine.

More here.

[CNJRoss]

Montreal, Maine and Atlantic News Release.

[CNJRoss]

Kennebec (ME) Journal, 8/9:

Judge OKs continued operation of rail line

BANGOR -- A federal judge on Thursday authorized Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway Ltd. to keep the railroad running and pay its expenses while it seeks to reorganize under bankruptcy court protection.

Judge Louis Kornreich in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Bangor said the railroad may continue to pay all of its employees and manage its funds, a first legal step that gives the company time to reorganize or seek a buyer despite its mounting debts.

Railway attorney Roger A. Clement Jr. said the ruling allows the railroad, as a debtor, to stay in business until a Chapter 11 trustee is appointed to oversee operations.

Continue.

[CNJRoss]

Portland (ME) Press Herald,

Maine railroad in crash shut out of Canada
The company loses its ability to run across the border because of inadequate liability insurance, which isn't a requirement in the U.S.

The struggling Maine-based rail company involved in last month's deadly train crash in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, lost its license to operate in Canada on Tuesday after regulators there decided it doesn't carry enough liability insurance.

While the railroad is still legally allowed to operate on the Maine side of the border, the ruling is seen as another major blow to the bankrupt company's chances of survival.

U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, D-Maine, said Tuesday he will call for a congressional hearing to examine rail safety and insurance issues highlighted by the July 6 accident that killed 47 people just 10 miles from the Maine border.

Continue.