The train wreck occurred at 6:15 p.m. on March 12, 1857 (1857-03-12) when a train on the Great Western Railway crashed through a bridge over the Desjardins Canal, causing the train and its passengers to fall 18 metres (60 ft) into the ice below.

[1] With 59 deaths, it is considered one of the worst rail disasters in Canadian history.

[1] Locomotive lamps and fires were built to illuminate the scene to aid in rescue efforts.

Ropes and ladders were lowered to bring the dead and wounded out of the train cars.

One car, partially submerged, was accessed with axes by rescuers.