The Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway company
The Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway company

The Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway company

The Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway company

Bankruptcy and other disasters

Eastern Townships (Quebec), Canada

Well, to be honest, the railway Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway site we visited is not a real urbex site. At least not yet. But between you and me, it should not take long.

A story that everybody hear about

Whether you live in Quebec or not, you've probably heard of this tragedy in Lac-Megantic where a railway convoy of the Montreal Maine & Atlantic Railway (MMA) has literally destroyed the city in an explosion that  killed more than 47 people. Since then, the company faces prosecution, had to be placed itself under the bankruptcy protection law and its poor crisis management has enrages all the country.

In short, the company is in big trouble and, after fired most of its employees, it is unclear how the company will get out of this situation. The many sites owned by the company are now deserted and many of them were vandalized by an angry population that holds the company responsible for the tragedy.

There was therefore no one during our visit in this Saturday afternoon, and even if we found few buildings (which will surely be abandoned in the coming weeks), we rather focused on trains and different rusted structures we could find on the site. I will have the chance to come back for the buildings by the end of summer when the activity of the company will be completely stopped.

This choice was the good one, because several trains could be visited. While some structures had no interest, others against, were very informative. So here is some pictures of this little trip where I will, for sure, be back in the coming weeks.

Related content

Val Rose: the abandoned military plant
Québec City, Quebec (Canada)

The abandoned Val Rose plant is unquestionably one of the most famous spots in Quebec City area. And honestly, I was rather reluctant to go there. Not that I thought the spot wasn't interesting, but in general, a place known as the Val Rose is,...

The old Terken brewery
Roubaix, (France)

Destroyed in 2004, the Terken brewery was a huge industrial complex of more than four hectares. Located in the Union area in Roubaix, near Lille, the factory was, at one time, a symbol of "close symbiosis" between the company and its community...

Of a single block
Montréal, Quebec (Canada)

Located in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood, the silo # 3 was built in 1923. The architect was John S. Metcalfe who were responsible for the construction of most silos in the Port of Montreal (1, 2, 3, 5). It is thanks to its innovations...

The old board mill
Estrie, Quebec (Canada)

It was October 3, 2014 when it has been heard for the last time the siren for the end of the work shift. The last 180 employees picked up their belongings and closed the door behind them, thus ending an industrial history of over 125 years.

...