(CBC.ca posted the following article on March 19.)
BELLEVILLE, Ontario — The list of residents who claim to have sustained property damage during a train derailment in Eastern Ontario, last month, is growing.
A train carrying hazardous materials was passing through Tyendinaga Township, near Belleville, when several cars derailed and exploded.
A couple who lives near the site of accident has been pursuing a class-action lawsuit. Now, other residents are asking how they can get involved.
Linda Tracey says she’s certain that damage to her house was caused by the derailment. “It wrecked our whole foundation, and, when you don’t have a foundation, your house is no good,” she said.
The bungalow she and her husband, Steve, bought in August sits about 800 metres from the site. Tracey says she felt the effects of one of the first explosions. But, she says, it wasn’t until later that she and her husband realized how much damage had been done. That’s when they called their insurance company.
“There’s drywall cracks all over the house, where it’s split, from the house being shifted,” Tracey said. The Traceys have asked to be included in a possible class-action lawsuit.
A neighbor is pursuing the action. Craig Allen is part of the legal team that represents the original plaintiff. He says a number of residents are starting to come forward with possible claims.
A spokesperson for Canadian Pacific Railway says the company will be filing a defence in the next few weeks. After that, a court will decide on whether to allow the class-action lawsuit to proceed.