Quebec train death toll rises to 13, police unable to unearth victims

Canadian authorities probing a deadly weekend train derailment in Quebec have said that the death toll has risen to 13.

The Globe and Mail reports that the police officers are yet to investigate how a driverless 73-car train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic town of Quebec.

According to the report, large swaths of the small town were leveled in the explosion and about 30 buildings were demolished. Authorities have warned the death toll is expected to rise, but said the search for bodies has been hindered because of difficulties accessing the site of the worst-hit parts of town.

The officials have started a criminal investigation into the causes of the accident, report added.