To date there is no ‘hard’ evidence that the train cause the fire that engulfed Lytton. Transport Canada inspected the train and there was no evidence of a fire on the train.
Instead of waiting for evidence that would tie the train to the fire, the politicians jumped on the anti-train bandwagon to sue the railway for a cash settlement.
There is an ongoing police investigation and with the stalling by the NDP government helping to rebuilt the town, the desperate citizens have been lured into the politcal hard world of spin, alternative facts, and fake news at who or what is at fault.
It seems in BC and Canada, when in doubt, blame the railway.
Lytton proposed class action against railway companies thrown out by BC Supreme Court
Posted Aug 11, 2023, 9:44AM PDT.
Last Updated Aug 11, 2023, 9:45AM PDT.
A proposed class action lawsuit brought by Lytton residents that aimed to hold major Canadian railway companies liable for the damages of the 2021 Lytton Creek wildfire won’t be moving ahead.
The BC Supreme Court did not certify the suit, explaining it failed to provide evidence that freight trains caused the fire. The province’s highest court added the case was overly broad and “bound to fail.”
The court did offer a glimmer of hope, saying if these issues could be addressed a future case could proceed. However, it’s not clear if residents will pursue further legal action.
The Village of Lytton and the Thompson Nicola Regional District have their own lawsuit which is seeking damages from the railway companies.
That case is still working its way through the courts.