Details of Railway Accidents in the Ottawa Area

1939, July 22 - Crossing collision Ashton, CPR., Carleton Place sub., one fatality

Ottawa Citizen  24 July 1939 Man Killed When Train Hits Auto Mile From Ashton CARLETON PLACE, July 23.- 1 Albert Seabrooke, aged about 45 years, a farm hand who worked for S.G. Davies. about one mile west of Ashton station on highway 15, was almost instantly killed when his car was struck by the Pembroke local train while proceeding to Ottawa Saturday afternoon about 4.45 o'clock. Mr. Seabrooke was driving to his own home near Ashton Station and had occasion to cross the railway line on the Davies' farm. As he was almost stone deaf it is thought he had no inkling of the approaching train as the crossing at this point does not permit a clear view of approaching trains. Immediately after the train struck the car the brakes were appiied and the train stopped, but by this time it had gone several hundred yards.  Mr. Seabrooke was found on the cow catcher, while pieces of his car were distributed along the right-of-way for almost 400 yards. Had Fractured Skull. Dr. J. A McEwen of Carleton Place was called but the man was dead before his arrival. He was found to have a fractured skull, six broken ribs and both legs broken. Dr. A.A. Metcalfe, coroner of Almonte, after communication with W.W. Pollock, K.C. Crown Attorney, ordered an inquest. A preliminary hearing was held at the home of Mr. Davies and an adjournment made to the council chamber in Carleton Place on Wednesday. At the time the accident occurred the train was about 15 minutes late and was endeavoring to make up time. It is thought Seabrooke may have surmised that the train had already passed and was not keeping a careful lookout at the crossing. Mr. Seabrooke is survived by his wife and two sons and a daughter. The funeral will be held from his late home, 11th line of Beckwith on Monday at 3.30 p.m. to Stanley's Corners for interment. For some years Mr. Seabrooke conducted a barber shop on Bell street, Carleton Place.

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Updated 4 July 2021