BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Canadian police says the death toll in a Quebec crude oil train disaster has risen to 13 after eight more bodies were found on Monday. Police estimated a total of around 50 people were either dead or missing after the gigantic blast on Saturday.

All but one of the train’s 73 tanker cars were carrying oil when they somehow came loose early on Saturday morning. The train sped downhill nearly 11 kilometres into the town of Lac-Megantic, near the border with the US state of Maine. It then derailed, with at least five of the cars exploding.

According to a train company official, a problem with the brakes was the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, the town is trying to cope with the loss of nearly their entire downtown, some 30 to 40 buildings. About a third of the community of six-thousand was forced from their homes by the explosion and flames. Health and civil security officials say some residents may be allowed back home later on Monday.

(Source: CNTV.cn)