Thirty years ago today, there was a huge explosion in Mississauga, when a train derailed, right in the middle of the city. I lived in Downsview, about 20 miles east, and felt the house shake, just before midnight, as though there had been a small earthquake.
The trains were carrying dangerous materials, including chlorine, so most of the city’s residents were evacuated – over 200,000 people. Amazingly, no one was seriously injured, or killed, and the evacuation went smoothly. The mayor somehow sprained her ankle, but kept going. She’s still the mayor, and going strong, at age 88.
Here’s a news video that shows some of the fire:
In 1982, I moved to Mississauga, and things have been peaceful since then. Then, in August 2008, a Downsview propane company exploded, less than a mile from the house I’d lived in during the Mississauga explosion. I guess I should plan to move in another 27 years or so!
In the meantime, perhaps some disaster planning would be prudent. If I had to evacuate, could I run this business from another location?
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