Details of Railway Accidents in the Ottawa Area



1913, March 24 - Runaway on Frost and Wood Spur, Smiths Falls.





Rideau Record 25 March 1913, p8 c3

Train Ran Away

Men Lose Control of Frost & Wood Freight Which Races Down Bay Street Runs Over The Rails and Plows up Centre Street

A train of ten cars, most of them loaded, on the way down the street line to the Frost & Wood works, ran away last evening and when it was all over the locomotive and one loaded car were buried up to the bodies in the middle of Centre street. Control was lost on the down grade from William street, and despite the air brakes and the frantic work of the men on the hand brakes, it was going at express rate when it got to Water street. It swung around the curve below Water street and started along the depressed tracks on Centre street at a faster clip than ever. When it came to the end of the rails, it kept right on up the street, plowing its way through the stones and dirt until the whole locomotive and one car had left the track and were buried body deep. No one was hurt and but little damage was done except to the street. This morning the wrecking crew put the engine and car back on the rails again.


For plan see https://churcher.crcml.org/circle/Plans/SmithsFalls01.jpg





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Updated 15 October 2025