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Police
have said they expect more people to be found dead after a runaway
train carrying light crude oil exploded in the Canadian town of
Lac-Megantic.
The blast sent a fireball and black smoke into the air, killing one and forcing the evacuation of 1,000 people.Dozens of buildings were destroyed in the town, about 250km (155 miles) east of Montreal.
They include a bar full of customers. Police are trying to account for dozens of missing people.
The train's cars reportedly uncoupled from a parked engine and derailed early on Saturday.
Rail company officials said the train had been immobilised in a neighbouring village before a scheduled crew change, but for an unknown reason had then started rolling downhill into Lac-Megantic.
Eyewitnesses said that by the time the driverless train reached the town it was travelling at considerable speed.
'Like a movie' The search for more bodies is expected to continue at dawn.
Local media have reported up to 100 people missing.
"We also expect that the number of people reported missing will be greater than the final death toll."
He said some people had been reported missing several times by different family members.
Some 120 firefighters have been fighting the blaze, which has continued for more than 24 hours.
Firefighters from across the border in the US are assisting.
Eyewitnesses reported that the town centre - where there are a number of bars - was crowded at the time of the blast, and that "chaos" ensued.
Firefighters fought the blaze for more than 24 hours
"It was like a movie," he said, quoted by the Associated Press news agency. "Explosions as if it were scripted - but this was live."
A woman described how close she was to one of the wagons.
"There were some sparks, and the car lifted and came to lie on its side in front of me, but I turned around and ran without stopping," she told the CBC TV.
