The Musi-Café, the bar at the center of the Lac-Megantic train disaster 10 years ago, commemorated the anniversary with a tribute event filled with music, laughter, and joy. Dany Flanders, a former contestant on the singing reality show “La Voix,” opened the event with an emotional tribute to the victims and the town. Despite the sombre occasion, the evening was filled with dancing waitresses, singing from the crowd, and even a birthday song for a customer.
The tragic event occurred on a hot summer night when an unattended train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded near the Musi-Café, claiming the lives of 30 victims who were in or near the bar. The Musi-Café has since become a symbol of the town’s resilience and ongoing rebuild.
Katie Staples, the co-owner who recently took over the bar, expressed the importance of the Musi-Café to the community. The bar reopened shortly after the tragedy, first in a tent and later in a new permanent location. The downtown area, along with numerous buildings and businesses, was severely affected by the disaster and took nearly three years to reopen.
Today, the Musi-Café’s former site serves as a memorial for the victims. While some residents miss the old location and the lively atmosphere of the old downtown, the rebuilt Musi-Café continues to hold significance as a symbol of the tragedy, bringing people of different generations together.
Although the new downtown design may not please everyone, it was created through consultation with residents, incorporating features such as parks and wider sidewalks. The decision to rebuild the Musi-Café early on represented a symbol of rebirth and moving forward.
Staples and her partner have made some changes since taking over the bar, including an improved food offering. They have also received support from the community in the lead-up to the anniversary, with residents expressing their encouragement and visiting the bar.