Lac-Megantic train derailment: videos, photos from the scene

Balls of flames shot several metres into the air after a train carrying crude oil derailed in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic early Saturday, sparking several explosions.

A train carrying crude oil derailed in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic early Saturday, sparking explosions and sending massive flames through the air. The fire has prompted an evacuation, forcing at least 1,000 residents from their homes.

Here is a collection of videos and photos from the scene that were posted to social media.

Lac-Megantic train derailment: videos, photos from the scene

A train carrying crude oil derailed in the Quebec town of Lac-Megantic early Saturday, sparking explosions and sending massive flames through the air. The fire has forced at least 1,000 residents from their homes. Photos and videos of the scene were posted to social media.

Storified by CTVNews.ca· Sun, Jul 07 2013 13:47:33

Dramatic photos and videos captured the scale and magnitude of the fire, which officials say has spread to many of the town's homes and businesses.

Explosion of a train in downtown Lac-Méganticmonkeyddn

Déraillement de train à Lac-Meganticblogstory

<div>Ouf!</div>Benoit Ratthe

Lac Mégantic train Explosion in the town!! #train #explosion #megantic #lacmegantic #trainexplosion #boom #burning #city #town #black #smoke #red #fire #flames #infernal #quebec #canada #death #burning #home #houseDan Collard

Explosion au #lacmegantic catastrophe pour ma famille et plusieurs autres! Page #facebook :( lac-megantic: support aux gens) #explosion #trainAlexandra Picard dube

From another angle, clouds of smoke could be seen billowing into the air.

#déflagration à #LacMégantic : photographie prise à partir de l'hélicoptère de la Sûreté du Québec. pic.twitter.com/9l3sZK6wDjSûreté du Québec

#lacmeganticJ Dancause

Lac Mégantic train Explosion in the town!! #train #explosion #megantic #lacmegantic #trainexplosion #boom #burning #city #town #black #smoke #red #fire #flames #infernal #quebec #canada #death #burning #home #houseDan Collard

Lac megantic massive plume of black smoke still billowing from scene 12 hours after derailment pic.twitter.com/YoXUbXo69ZGenevieve Beauchemin

France Dumont

My city is burning #lacmegantic #quebec #badday #train on #fireMarc-andré M

Some residents tweeted photos of the crude oil that had spilled into the Chaudiere River.

Le #LacMégantic est souillé par le #pétrole brut. #polqc #polcan #harper #ggi pic.twitter.com/5oOrewqU2UAntoine Bouchard

As the news spread, thoughts and prayers poured in on Twitter for the residents of Lac-Megantic.

Nos pensées et nos prières sont avec les gens de Lac-Mégantic. Quelle horrible nouvelle.Stephen Harper

Thoughts & prayers are with those impacted in Lac Megantic. Horrible news.Stephen Harper

J'arrive au Lac Mégantic. Mes pensées sont avec les familles et tous les résidents affectés par cette tragédie.Thomas Mulcair

I am about to arrive in Lac Megantic. My thoughts are with the families and all residents affected by this tragedy.Thomas Mulcair

Nos prières et nos pensées sont avec les gens de Lac-Mégantic. | Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Lac-Mégantic.Canadiens Montréal

Courage aux gens de Lac-Mégantic #LacMegantic #courageChantal Gauvin

Mes pensées les plus fortes vont aux citoyens de Lac-Mégantic. Quel horreur!Pierre-Paul Aveline

Praying for family in lac Megantic.Virg CloutierMaillet