FOG BLOG CANADA LOG: BELL RINGS 47 TIMES FOR LIVES LOST AT LAC MEGANTIC 10 YRS AGO!

In Lac-Mégantic, bells ring out 47 times for lives lost in rail disaster 'I miss her smile. I miss her heart,' says resident who lost daughter 10 years ago Hundreds of townspeople in Lac-Mégantic, Que., fell silent on the lawn of the Sainte-Agnès church on Thursday as 47 bells echoed through town. They bowed their heads, honouring each life lost in the train derailment and explosion that levelled its downtown 10 years ago.

Dignitaries stood, hands clasped, some laying bouquets of flowers on the nearby monument that lists the names of those who were killed.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance and committed to the completion of the highly contested rail bypass project which would move the rails out of the core of the town of 6,000 in Quebec's Eastern Townships. During the commemoration, the trains have been paused out of consideration for residents.

"It's been a longer process than anyone would have liked," said Trudeau on the steps of the church. "I'm here today to show a continued solidarity and represent all Canadians and all Quebecers in their continued solidarity with this community."

Also in attendance were Premier François Legault, provincial Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault and federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, who have been part of the team leading the bypass project.

Speaking to media, Alghabra closed the door to a public inquiry into the disaster — something requested by locals including long-time resident Isabelle Boulanger, whose 19-year-old son Frédéric Boutin was killed.