In July 2013, a catastrophic derailment involving a 73-car oil train occurred in the small town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, a community of approximately 6,000 residents. The train, operated by the Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway, was carrying a large quantity of crude oil and was moving from North Dakota to a refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. Due to a series of operational errors, including inadequate safety measures and an unattended locomotive, the train rolled downhill before derailing in the town's downtown area. This led to an explosion that engulfed several city blocks in flames, resulting in the deaths of at least 47 people and considerable property damage.The explosion was powerful enough to destroy more than 30 buildings, including residential homes, small businesses, and community facilities. In the immediate aftermath, emergency responders faced extreme challenges, including the heat of the fire and the risk of further explosions. The rescue operations revealed the vast impact on the community, as many families lost their homes and loved ones. The incident necessitated extensive investigations into rail safety practices and heightened scrutiny of hazardous material transport regulations across North America. The disaster led to discussions about the safety of rail transport for explosive materials and spurred both provincial and federal governments to reassess regulatory frameworks governing such transport.