Here now is an image and quote from the museum’s award-winning book Watershed Moments – A Pictorial History of Courtenay and District.
Photo credit: CDM 986.15.17
Photo caption: Amidst the wreckage of the 1920 railway explosion. Page 101.
“On August 18, 1920, however, after pulling a train of fifteen loaded cars up a steady slope, #4 Engine stalled. The crew of #3 Engine came to the rescue and pulled the loaded train to a level spot. As soon as #3 uncoupled and pulled away, #4’s boiler exploded, sending large pieces of boilerplate into the air before landing 120 feet from the wheels. (A later investigation revealed that low water in the boiler caused the explosion.)” Page 101.
Psst! Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the book at the museum gift shop, too.
