In November 1908, a serious rear end collision occurred on the Canadian Pacific Railway track at Parnell Street. A westbound freight, having gained considerable speed from the station, slammed into a standing freight. The caboose was smashed, four other cars were derailed and fire erupted in two of the freight cars. The newly formed fire brigade arrived with every available hose but the distance to the nearest fire hydrant reduced the water pressure. A crowd gathered to witness the wrecked engine.