About 40 still missing after runaway train crashes, explodes

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LAC-MEGANTIC, Quebeck -- Authorities said they hope to search more areas Monday for about 40 people still missing after a runaway train plowed into an eastern Canadian town, setting off massive explosions when the train's haul of crude oil ignited.

At least five burned bodies have been found, but "we know that there will be many more" deaths, Quebec provincial police Lt. Michel Brunet said Sunday.

The 73-car train destroyed the downtown area of Lac-Megantic, Quebec, on Saturday. The crash and series of explosions flattened dozens of houses and buildings and forced nearly 2,000 people to evacuate from the town 130 miles east of Montreal.

Courtesy CNN

Lingering fires and the risk of more explosions have impeded the rescuers' search for the dozens still missing, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported. One place deemed too unsafe to search is Musi-Cafe bar, which was destroyed in the crash and was believed to have had customers at the time, CTV reported.

Firefighters are working to put out hot spots, and authorities hope doing so will let them search Musi-Cafe and other areas Monday, Quebec provincial police Sgt. Benoit Richard told reporters.

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