Bar That Became Epicentre of Lac-Megantic Tragedy Now a Symbol of Its Rebuild

People walk past the new Musi-Cafe in Lac Megantic, Que. on June 22, 2023. The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi

The bar that became the epicentre of the deadly train disaster that struck Lac-Megantic, Que., 10 years ago marked the sombre anniversary on Friday in much the same way it spent the hours leading up to the tragedy: with music, laughter and even joy.

Musical headliner Dany Flanders, a former contestant on singing reality show “La Voix,” began Friday’s tribute event at the Musi-Café with an emotional tribute to the victims and the town, set to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”