Details of Railway Accidents in the Ottawa Area



1898, March 10 - Head on collision at Merrickville - nineteen cars derailed.



Ottawa Citizen 11 March 1898

A C.P.R. COLLISION
Two Trains Meet Near Merrickville - Both Engines Smashed But No Lives Lost

Merrickville, March 10 - (Special) - Two Freight trains met at the curve just east of the Rideau bridge here this evening, resulting in the total destruction of both engines. About 19 cars are wrecked, a few totally. The amount of freight damaged and scattered about is a sight to see. One tender was thrown right over the engine. The loss in property is very heavy.


Chesterville Record 17 March 1898


At 5 o'clock this afternoon two freight trains came together about a mile east of this station, the result being the destruction of two engines and sixteen cars.  All hands jumped and escaped injury.  It will be some hours before the road can be cleared.  The accident seems to have been due to misunderstanding of orders given at Smiths Falls.

Almonte Gazette 18 March 1898

Two freight trains collided at the curve near the Rideau bridge, Merrickville, on Wednesday night of last week, and both egines were totally destroyed. About nineteen cars were wrecked, a few totally. The loss in property is heavy.

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Updated 26 November 1898