Lac-Mgantic disaster class-action suit gets green light

A class-action lawsuit has been approved almost two years after a train derailment and explosion killed 47 people in Lac-Mgantic, Que.

But the Quebec Superior Court justice's ruling means it is far more limited in scope.

• Lac-Mgantic rail disaster: $200M proposed settlement reached

Justice Martin Bureau has given the plaintiffs permission to go after only two companies World Fuel Services and Canadian Pacific Railway.

Initially, the legal action targeted 37 different parties, including Irving Oil, the now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railway and its former president, Edward Burkhardt.

• Head of railway in Lac-Mgantic disaster says he's 'also a victim'

In January, victims of the rail disaster reached a major financial settlement with Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Canada.

The lawsuit alleges CPR was negligent and there was a lack of prudence in all circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

The lawsuit was filed by three Lac Mgantic residents Guy Ouellet, Serge Jacques and Louis-Serge Parent on behalf of all the victims.

The exact amount being sought will be determined at a later date.