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Former Maine Rail Boss Facing Charges in Lac Megantic Disaster

LAC MEGANTIC, Quebec - A former Maine rail boss is among those facing prosecution by the Canadian government for the July 2013 derailment in Lac Megantic, Quebec, which claimed 48 lives.

According to Canadian media reports, Robert Grindrod, chief executive of the now-bankrupt Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada Railway, is among six former employees being charged with violating federal railway safety and environmental laws in connection with the oil train disaster.

Canada's federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that charges are being filed under the Railway Safety Act and the Fisheries Act.
"We will prosecute those who are to blame in this matter and it doesn't matter how long it takes," Raitt says.

Raitt also said there may be more charges on the way, explaining that another investigation is underway relating to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.