Desjardins Canal disaster, Frank Leslie, 4 April 1857

On 12 march 1857, the 6:15 great western railway train from toronto crashed through the railway bridge spanning the desjardins canal on the northern side of hamilton. The bridge collapsed due to the pressure of ice just as the train reached it. The accident left fifty-nine people dead and made international headlines. This illustration originally appeared in the 4 april 1857 issue of frank leslie's illustrated newspaper. Date: 4 April 1857.