Close X
Saturday, January 11, 2025
ADVT 
National

Rail companies sued in Lytton, B.C., wildfire

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Aug, 2021 02:17 PM
  • Rail companies sued in Lytton, B.C., wildfire

A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railways caused or contributed to the wildfire that destroyed the Village of Lytton, B.C.

The B.C. Supreme Court statement of claim alleges the fire was set off by heat or sparks emanating from a CP freight train operated by CN employees on tracks owned by CN.

It says the fire started at about 4:15 p.m. on June 30, where the CN bridge crosses the Fraser River, and winds of up to 70 km/h carried the fire into Lytton, burning the town in less than two hours.

The RCMP, BC Wildfire Service and Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the cause of the fire, and neither CN or CP immediately returned a request for comment.

While court approval is needed for a class-action lawsuit, the court documents say the representative plaintiff lost her home and the graphic design company she operated out of the property in Lytton.

With temperatures nearing 50 C, the lawsuit alleges the railway companies should have know conditions were unsafe to operate and that they failed to protect the town.

The suit asks for damages to cover losses for property, housing, business income and pain and suffering.

MORE National ARTICLES

Some remain missing amid Lytton wildfire

Some remain missing amid Lytton wildfire
The search continues today for multiple residents of a village in British Columbia's Interior that was decimated by a wildfire this week. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth hasn't said how many people from the Lytton, B.C., area are unaccounted for.

Some remain missing amid Lytton wildfire

Fire destroys most buildings in Lytton, B.C.

Fire destroys most buildings in Lytton, B.C.
A village in British Columbia's Interior largely lies in ashes, the province's public safety minister said Thursday as he confirmed that flames have destroyed most buildings in Lytton and left multiple residents unaccounted for.

Fire destroys most buildings in Lytton, B.C.

44 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

44 COVID19 cases for Wednesday
There are currently 816 active cases of COVID-19 in the province. Of the active cases, 108 individuals are currently hospitalized, 34 of whom are in intensive care.

44 COVID19 cases for Wednesday

AG says HSBC evidence not relevant to Meng hearing

AG says HSBC evidence not relevant to Meng hearing
Robert Frater says the Huawei chief financial officer is asking the judge to weigh the evidence in a way that is appropriate for her fraud trial, not her extradition hearing.

AG says HSBC evidence not relevant to Meng hearing

Canada promising $100M for global 'care economy'

Canada promising $100M for global 'care economy'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada will spend $100 million over the next five years on global projects to address the unequal burden women bear caring for others.

Canada promising $100M for global 'care economy'

Deputy PM 'disturbed' Baines keeps job

Deputy PM 'disturbed' Baines keeps job
Vice-Admiral Craig Baines caused outrage earlier this month when it was revealed he and then-defence vice-chief Lt.-Gen. Mike Rouleau golfed with retired general Jonathan Vance.

Deputy PM 'disturbed' Baines keeps job