The Mississauga Miracle | A Short Documentary | Fascinating Horror

Once a year, around the holidays, I want to share the story of a disaster that didn't happen - a tragedy that, whether through luck, the bravery of those involved, or simple good planning, was averted. In this story, everyone survives... although it's definitely a close call.
As always, THANK YOU to all my Patreon patrons: you make this channel possible.
/ fascinatinghorror
SOCIAL MEDIA:
► Twitter: / truehorrortales
► TikTok: / fascinatinghorror
► Suggestions: [e-mail]
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - Background
01:46 - The Mississauga Miracle
07:33 - The Aftermath
MUSIC:
► "Glass Pond" by Public Memory
SOURCES:
► "How planning and bravery amid massive explosions led to the 'Mississauga miracle'" by Sahar Fatima, published by The Hamilton Spectator, November 2019. Link: www.thespec.com/news/ontario/...
► "Mississauga Train Derailment" by Heritage Mississauga. Link: heritagemississauga.com/missi...
► "Mississauga Miracle: Remembering the disaster that forced 240,000 people to flee" by Mike Wise, published by CBC, November 2019. Link: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toront...
► "1979 train derailment became known as the Mississauga Miracle" by Carola Vyhnak, published by the Toronto Star, November 2017. Link: www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/o...
► "The Mississauga Evacuation" by Ian Burton, Peter Victor, Anne Whyte, Mel Kliman, David Powell, Larry Schmidt, Peter Timmerman, Joanne Wojick, published by the Ministry of the Solicitor General of Ontario, June 1981. Link: cidbimena.desastres.hn/docum/c...
CORRECTIONS:
► In this video I incorrectly refer to Toronto as a "state capitol". Canada is divided into provinces, not states, and so Toronto is actually the provincial capital of Ontario. This error is entirely my own!
► At one point in this video I say that this was the largest evacuation ever to take place on American soil, when in fact I should have said "North American soil"
​​​​​​​#Documentary​​​​ #History​​​​​​​​​ #TrueStories​

[@FascinatingHorror]

A couple of corrections for this video: ►Instead of describing Toronto as a "state capitol", I should have said that it was the capital of the province of Ontario (Canada has provinces and territories rather than states) ►Instead of describing this as the largest evacuation "on American soil", I should have said "North American soil" Both mistakes were entirely down to my own misreading and/or misunderstanding - massive thanks to everyone who pointed them out!

[@prdurnion83]

Neither are serious mistakes. You're human. It's not like these mistakes were as serious as, say, filling a nightclub with over a ton of flammable materials, then overcrowding that nightclub with people.

[@galinda91]

My only complaint is that I snorted beer up my nose at the “state capitol” comment. You could, in further say, the provincial capital. That’s more how we Canadians would say it.

[@stoneforest2639]

Do you think you could do some more videos like this with a happy or neutral ending? I imagine there are not many stories that end okay though. Keep doing what you do we enjoy your videos (as long as you are fine making more videos I don't want to sound like I am commanding you to do anything)

[@michellerobin5461]

All good mate! Thank you for covering this story! Much appreciated, from an Ontarian. Cheers!

[@theinvisibleneonrainbowzeb2567]

I really enjoy the rare "Times a Bad Thing happened, but somehow it was all OK" stories you put out round christmas, thank you

[@moo4983]

Turns out Mayor Hazel McCallion stood as mayor of Mississauga until 2014 when she stood down and endorsed somebody else. She's still alive today at the age of 101.

[@Luvcatz88]

Wow I was wondering how old she would be now!

[@rundom32]

I'm always happy when the good live old

[@christopherconwell7271]

Sounds Like A Dictatorship to Me!

[@babybookworm003]

There’s a reason she’s a legend

[@nolanmcleod2619]

@@christopherconwell7271 laugh my ass off bud. We have elections too 🤣🤣🤣

[@jaybunting6169]

Current resident of Mississauga. Everyone called the mayor Hurricane Hazel because she was a force to be reckoned with. She grew our little city to the 7th most populous city in Canada! She turns 102 on Valentine’s Day

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

❤

[@ExplodingConsole]

Same here. Neat to see this accident get coverage :).

[@michaeltutty1540]

There is also a story behind the nickname of "Hurricane Hazel". In 1954 the Golden Horseshoe was hit by a real Hurricane named Hazel. The aftermath of Hurricane Hazel resulted in floodplain areas designated as Parkland, plus many other flood control measures such as Clareville Damn Conservation Area on the Humber River as well as measures on the Credit River.

[@sherrygray8261]

A great Mayor 👍

[@rasyidahabdullah4868]

You're all lucky to have her. I never knew of an honest politician until I heard of her. She's an incredible woman indeed.

[@matthewbreen1951]

No more fitting tribute can I think of for Hazel's service to her people. "Hurricane" Hazel McCalion has passed away early the morning of January 29th 2023 at the age of 101.

[@crf80fdarkdays]

No

[@hoppytoad79]

I love that she's known and remembered as 'Hurricane' Hazel. 😄

[@ramonagarciabryant9051]

Wow that's awesome

[@pizzlerot2730]

​@@crf80fdarkdaysno u

[@hansdieter4537]

Good riddance. One less Canadian.

[@machrisr2000]

Imagine seeing a 40 story fireball, be fully aware this is a train filled with exposives and hazardous chemicals ALREADY ON FIRE, yet run toward the fire and explosion to unhook the train. This guy is an incredible hero!

[@organizednoise3477]

I was 8 and watched it out of my front window, I was two blocks away. Astonishing we didn’t all die to be honest.

[@radarplotextractor3168]

Noticed it was the father in law that sent him down there. 😆

[@skitidet4302]

There was no explosives on the train, or at least so I think because he didn't list any in the video when he made a list of hazardous substances that was onboard. This guy either lied or made a mistake when he said there where detonations. You only had explosions caused by tanks rupturing from the overpressure that builds up when it's contents was heated by the fire. The fact that you had 0 deaths amongst the firefighters pretty much proves this. How much does a train-car carry? Like 50 tons? If that much explosives detonates, the resulting shockwave will kill everyone within well over 100 meters. To put it in perspective, the largest conventional bomb in American use, the MOAB, only has about 8.5 tons of explosives in it.

[@organizednoise3477]

@@skitidet4302 the train carried propane among other things. The flames and blast clouds I personally saw across the street was not due to decompression alone. This particular rail line frequently carried volatile substances…even though it passes through residential and urban areas. Yes, not packed with C-4, but huge quantities of pressurized flammable substances. The release of chorine gas was the additional reason we were evacuated. I’m no chemist, but I know what I saw and it wasn’t gentle. No lies here.

[@organizednoise3477]

@@skitidet4302 …and the reason we weren’t killed also lies in the fact that not all cars detonated. If they had, it would have left a tremendous hole in the ground and massive destruction…so we were told to leave. Thankfully the FD was able to prevent further explosions. Not sure how, but they did.

[@YuBeace]

I love how the mayor was so amazing she kept getting re-elected until she had to step down by herself, like “darlings I have to retire someday…”

[@natobxo]

Hazel is a darling!!! Shes so lovable and small!! Im not sure if she has passed yet but people litterally wouldn't let her retire because she was so beloved! Ive met her a few times!

[@williamcote4208]

A bit like what happened with the mayor of Lac-Mégantic in when the MMA train derailed smack dab in the middle of the city

[@benmcreynolds8581]

That Mayor is exactly what every mayor and politician should stand for. She is a inspiration. She was amazing and very active and engaging, even into her old age. The Train Crew and fire fighters did great too. The best they could given the situation. Overall really proud of this entire community.

[@ClimbingEasy]

Many times we focus on the humans who cause the chaos. Not the humans who calm the chaos. Thank you for putting some focus on the ladder.

[@kathyjones1576]

Can you imagine what the world would be like if all politicians were like her? It would be as close to heaven we could get without actually being there.

[@defeatSpace]

Train Crew and Firefighters did everything you weirdo.

[@jacobshields6594]

They’ll never be another one like her. Politics today is a get Rich scheme.

[@renneedwards9826]

You nailed it!!! 💯👀💅🏾🔥

[@williambilliam5001]

Not even critical injuries or even pet deaths?!? Holy hell was the response incredible. Normally I would call a couple of people heroes in tragedies, but in addition to the usual heroes on the front line, an entire QUARTER MILLION PEOPLE basically awoken to beat this disaster down. Inspiring doesn't even begin to describe this situation.

[@theresamorley14]

My dad's family lived through it and said that people were going door to door to make sure their neighbours had awoken and got out safely

[@karenneill9109]

I lived there at the time. Everybody worked together extraordinarily well.

[@savvysmiles1121]

It's nice to have a disaster handled so well in contrast to how most of these stories go.

[@jannamyers6792]

Agree

[@bubbabear244]

cougheastpalestinecough

[@TRUMP_WAS_RIGHT_ABOUT_EVRYTHNG]

Like the exact same scenario in Ohio 🤔. #fuckjoebiden

[@GrislyAtoms12]

@@bubbabear244 Cough "Let's Go Brandon" Cough

[@anonamoss78]

Tell that to the animals left behind ..... ok they survived but that was not known until it was overt

[@hanfords]

As a young adult, I lived 60km from this event and we were able to open our farm house to many displaced friends, friends of friends, strangers, kids, a new born, several dogs, two cats and a parrot. It was a amazing example of how we humans can come together to unselfishly help and comfort other's in time of need

[@kathyrn7423]

That is the Canadian way cheers my friend 🇨🇦🍁

[@honorladone8682]

Thank you for being so hospitable. GOD bless. Philadelphia USA

[@Digitalhunny]

This honestly _is_ the greatest country in the whole world. I'd never leave this place, not even for _all_ the tea in China! (WTF does one do with all that gossip, anyway?🤣🤣🤣)

[@Mrsjam96]

I was worried about peoples animals. I’m so glad you could help both !

[@samjacobs9988]

I'm going to give a shout out for a small channel "The Raven's Eye" who also did a good cover of this video a couple of weeks ago.

[@elliottprice6084]

For such a huge disaster, this was so satisfying to watch because no one was seriously hurt or killed. And even the domesticated pet population survived too. A fitting video for the Christmas Holiday

[@AidenTheAviator]

It’s sad to report that Hazel passed away suddenly and peacefully yesterday at the age of 101. As a resident of Mississauga and as someone who has met her before, I’m heartbroken. RIP “Hurricane Hazel”.

[@tehjamerz]

Heartbroken?....

[@thomasbell7033]

@@tehjamerz How could you possibly dispute this person's feelings, when they are a srranger to you? What a prick.

[@tehjamerz]

@Thomas Bell I'm heartbroken you feel that way

[@ct92404]

It is sad when a good person passes away, but it sounds like she lived a good, long life and at least she died peacefully...a person can't ask for more than that.

[@JohnDoe-fo7yi]

@@ct92404 Indeed, humans tend to overemphasize the ending of something rather than the journey. Her death at 101 is indicative a long and seemingly fulfilled live, full of people who appreciated her. I think its a well deserved rest.

[@brack418]

This video popped up on my recommended the day after Hazel passed. 36 years of mayorship and a legendary municipal career. What a leader. May you rest in peace Hazel.

[@drunkenastarte5243]

Also a tireless pioneer & stalwart champion for women's hockey in both her own community, and across the province & entire country. She kept playing the game she loved until only a couple years prior to her passing. I had the honor of meeting her a couple of times throughout my time playing minor hockey, as she would spend as much of her spare time as she could during the Mississauga & Brampton tournaments at the main venue arenas.

[@embyratwood690]

Even the pets survived. This is one of those videos that left me smiling at the end, amazing work to everyone involved in the evacuation and the rail workers who mitigated the damage.

[@lauravacek4293]

I am puzzled that it was safe for animals potentially exposed to chlorine. Amazing that the humane society could get to every one when there were a million addresses and perhaps fifty percent had animals. Wow.

[@Unownshipper]

Even considering the potential danger, this video is so wholesome! Just what one needs during the holidays.

[@James_Knott]

The video mentioned the Ontario Humane Society. At the time, they were just up the street from the derailment, on Mavis near Burnhamthorpe, and would have been evacuated as well. My cousin's husband was a vet there at the time.

[@jamesmock1694]

My grandfather told me a story about how his neighbour currently had the police come to his house and tell him to take his family,some clothes, and the dog and get out of there. They also had a bird that had to be left behind, and when they returned it had passed away

[@ct92404]

@@jamesmock1694 Unfortunately, birds have a very sensitive respiratory system and they can easily die from exposure to toxic fumes that other animals might otherwise survive.

[@thetwitchywitchy]

I swear firefighters are a whole different breed of human beings, to willingly walk into a fire, even if they are afraid, is incredible. This story was amazing!!!

[@yoganaraska7617]

My partner is a Toronto firefighter and gets annoyed when there aren't enough fires 😅

[@apophisstr6719]

Especially those who served the major cities where fires always happened in highly populated yet badly maintained high rise buildings, those environments are exceptionally deadly yet they would still walk straight into it to rescue people.

[@BlackOrderAlchemist]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Firefighters > Cops Not even coming from a political angle here. Firefighters know for a fact they're putting their lives on the line when they go into a fire. Cops can reason with/fight against a criminal, they're just humans. Firefighters can't do that. Can you talk to/shoot a fire to make it stop? Doubtful. Anyway, my point is firefighters are great and deserve much respect.

[@machrisr2000]

Brakemen too, apparently

[@Rammstein0963.]

None moreso than "Firejumpers", those crazy yet brave men and women who are put into the wilderness to fight forest fires, often with no traditional equipment or even reinforcements...

[@alnabulsi313]

*AND ALL THE PETS WERE OKAY TOO* 🥺❤️ This really brightened my day- every now and then a disaster avoided video is really nice. 👏 Hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend!

[@Luke-tg9jy]

This was the best part.

[@maureen669]

True, but pets MUST be included as family, as sentient crestures who feel pain and fear. It's unconscionable to leave them behind. In America pets are now evacuated with their families during hurricanes, etc.

[@alnabulsi313]

@@maureen669 Oh of course, I'm a prime example of an American who loves pets more than most people 🤣 it's just not always possible in some extremely urgent situations, and it made me happy that this wasn't one of those incidents

[@AMK544]

@@Luke-tg9jythe best part was that no PEOPLE died. Jeeze people are infinitely more valuable than animals.

[@Luke-tg9jy]

@@AMK544 Pretty sure the human population numbers on this planet are sufficient. We can't even manage 8 billion...

[@Happyclappy674]

I was 10 and lived 2 miles away from the derailment. My mother and I watched the explosion from our 20 floor apartment and thought the bomb dropped. The day after we were evacuated and we lived in Sherway Gardens mall for a few days. It was terrifying.

[@dh12.]

I used to live behind sherway gardens at that time

[@marvindebot3264]

No one died that night because every single person involved did their job without question and did it well along with residents who did as asked without argument or objection. Everyone involved needs a gold star. This is used to this day as a shining example of everything going right and is taught to fire and emergency service cadets and trainees even here in Australia, No one died, and everyone got to go home, even the animals, what more could be asked of anyone?

[@ash1rose]

Exactly. Competent people were in charge and it shows.

[@DanelectroJazz]

Exactly, no coverups, corruption, cowardly captains(engineer in this case). Very refreshing story.

[@joshuasandiego5094]

I love this tradition. In such accidents, it's so relieving to hear that no one dies in the end of the whole thing. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

[@thaliabirrueta8456]

I also love the April Fools tradition Fascinating Horror has. Only 4 more months to go.

[@TimPerfetto]

@@thaliabirrueta8456 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhHHhohhh God bless you for liking april fools and god bless Fasinating Horror and god bless months and waiting because without waiting there would be nothing to wait for so god bless time and youtube and god bless god for making April ohhhhhhhhhh

[@XldemonbloodlX]

The song Trainwreck 1979 by Death From Above 1979 is about this event and does a wonderful job of recounting what could have been a terrible chapter in Canadian history. "20,000 people and no one died" has always been a very poignant line for me.

[@frankiefiggy]

Thanks for the video. I lived thru this event. Our house was a few hundred metres from the tracks, about halfway between where the train's wheels fell off and the derailment location. The initial explosion was huge, and the fireball lit the entire sky. A bunch of us neighborhood kids gathered on a small hillside nearby and watched, fascinated and frightened. The air smelled strongly of chemicals, and the smoke stung our eyes. Our family was evacuated in the early morning. We left our cat behind, not thinking we would be gone for six days. He drank water from the toilet and was fine, but grumpy, when we got home. Missing a week of school was a bonus.

[@troods8110]

Wow! That must have been a very traumatic time! I'm glad everyone was safe!

[@bilindalaw-morley161]

Kids often have a very different viewpoint on what's important. And I *bet* the cat was grumpy!

[@maivaiva1412]

The pets also getting taken care of is just the cherry on top! What a true feel-good story.

[@pjk1714]

It's a Canadian thing.. Hardships and Disaster always brings out the best

[@NeedsMoreBirds]

It’s a very pleasant change of pace for you to cover a disaster in which nobody is killed or seriously injured. The addendum about the evacuees’ pets was reassuring, too. I’m not surprised the mayor was re-elected many more times after this - it sounds like she was the perfect person for the job.

[@eugene4643]

We lucked out big time ! Lived a bit further down the line and was 10 at the time .

[@danw2112]

Mayor Hazel passed away today. Two weeks shy of her 102nd birthday. RIP.

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

I have several cousins that live in Mississauga and they remember this incident well. The inquiry after the event severely blamed the railway company for transporting dangerous chemicals through an urban area as it was a disaster waiting to happen. These cargoes now go the long way round!!

[@pink_alligator]

I know it's probably an efficiency thing but it also, or actually even more so sounds Very dumb to transport *SO much* of *So* many dangerous chemicals at the same time and all *on the same train,* that is what's truly a disaster waiting to happen

[@als3022]

Happens all the time. I've been driving to work in the early morning (When most of these come through) and wait on a train with some highly toxic chemicals on their side.

[@OofusTwillip]

There are STILL freight trains hauling dangerous cargoes through urban areas in Canada. I used to live in an apartment overlooking the North Toronto CP line.

[@davidstevensasidewayslook8831]

@@OofusTwillip I live in the UK so the transportation of dangerous substances has a whole raft of regs under COSHH. The rail transportation companies have to use rolling stock that can survive a crash or derailment.

[@FunkyFae57]

Thanks for letting us know about the pets! What a fantastic little town! Shows what we can do if we choose to help rather than focus on ourselves

[@gerardacronin334]

The “little town” of Mississauga was, and is, a growing city. Its population in 1979 was approximately 300,000. Its current population is over 720,000. It includes Lester B. Pearson International Airport, otherwise known as Toronto Airport or YYZ, the largest airport in Canada.

[@lignesceil]

It’s a GIANT city haha

[@Mrh449]

Oh u American and how u think it’s a “small town” where the CITY now where I live has close to 1 million people living here, and if u come from another country u will most likely land here in Mississauga at the biggest air port in Canada so next time u say “small town” don’t say shit u American

[@ethics3]

@@gerardacronin334 I wouldn't brag too much about Pearson ( YYZ ) right now. Have you seen their luggage issue ? There are thousands of pieces of luggage there due to mismanagement , staff shortages and ONE broken convenor. People who traveled to other countries a WEEK AGO still haven't got their luggage . Of coarse being a Canadian story , the spokesperson for the airport just HAD to try to get the "PITY " going for themselves , saying that their works are working in " extreme low temperatures " Ohh BOO HOO ! What's that got to do with anything ? Winter comes EVERY YEAR !.

[@gerardacronin334]

@@ethics3 I am not bragging about Pearson. I merely stated the fact that it is in Mississauga and is Canada’s largest airport. I have recently been through hell at YVR. Chaos is not unique to Pearson.

[@KaiM2583]

Finally! A story where nobody in charge (like big bosses) seems to have cut corners or been incompetent. I know the lubrication system malfunctioned but I’m going to assume that was just a simple malfunction and not due to any wrong doing, or I’m sure it would have been mentioned. Also the workers kept their heads and acted very bravely, removing the rest of the train cars to prevent further damage and then ensuring that the town was properly warned and evacuated. This is what people can achieve when they come together!

[@CatsT.M]

That response was beautiful! No one died because so many people risked their lives to help. The mayor's response to all that is absolutely incredible.

[@eliz_scubavn]

I’d also add that nobody died because people actually followed the directions of authorities to do things like evacuate and move to safe areas.

[@CatsT.M]

@@eliz_scubavn That is true. There is no point in giving directions if no one follows them.

[@finecallmejane]

The fact that no one died really is nothing short of a miracle. Oh my gosh.

[@parula26]

Excellent video and, as a Canadian, I’m pleased to see the heroism and leadership of the Canadian people recounted here. But just a few corrections: we have “provinces” (not “states” as in the US), it was the “Canadian Pacific Railway” (not the “Canada Pacific Railway”), and it was the largest peacetime evacuation on “North American” soil (not “American” soil). We Canadians love our neighbours to the south, but we are decidedly distinctive from them!Thanks again for the great video. 😊

[@yelling3874]

I heard "American soil" and wondered whether you all said "North American" or just "American" when talking about the continent! I think these kinds of differences are really interesting. My inlaws are from Venezuela and for them, it's all just America. They (at least used to) treat North and South America as one continent, and didn't count Antarctica at all, so in school they were taught there were 5 continents instead of 7.

[@lorettakos2584]

i always read down to see if somebody points out small errors...and yes i cringed at "state capital"...we are a commonwealth country!

[@patrisha3]

Well said ❤

[@ceilinh6004]

@@yelling3874 When speaking of the continent, we (Canadians) always say North American. In Canada, we assume that anyone using American without an additional qualifier (North, South, Central...) is referring only to The United States, as they refer to their country and themselves as America/American without any qualifiers. So, in the context of this video, "Canadian" or "North American" would be correct, but "American" is not.

[@Tardisntimbits]

Thank yooouuuu. I couldn't get past "State" before I had to stop the video and say something

[@heatherdiditknitandcrochet]

RIP Hazel! You were the reasons so many were saved this day! Great documentary.

[@kaitlandm.4969]

Awww the fact that the pets were left behind yet still taken care of really warmed my heart🥹❤

[@markwarren7959]

I feel like this happened on another planet given the callousness that is so prevalent in the world today. Great story, we need more of them.

[@JimAllen-Persona]

It’s Canada. Compare that to 9/11 where the head of the EPA told the cleanup workers that they didn’t need PPE and as such are dealing with cancer and other ailments years later, which they had to repeatedly fight for in Congress.

[@TheEarthCreature]

@@JimAllen-Persona Compare that to Canada's indigenous children genocide and realize how stupid it is to make those kinds of comparisons.

[@MarcelVos]

These things happen all the time, but a disaster where no-one dies is much less likely to be remembered.

[@KazakhToon]

It's a great example of what human beings are capable of when they have high regard for their fellow humans and are led well and with compassion. We're capable of the same, if we want to be.

[@margarinesnatcher]

@@TheEarthCreature And this has what to do with emergency response operations ?

[@wanderingowl3436]

I can't believe they took care of pets too, they are usually the last thing anyone is thinking of in these type of situation, it makes my heart warm to know they were taken into account 💖

[@marioxerxescastelancastro8019]

You are the type of person who cries at funerals. 🤡

[@brandotango]

Awesome story every time I hear it as a born-and-raised Mississaugan. Legend has it Hazel McCallion went door to door to ensure people were safely evacuated.

[@hoppytoad79]

*That* is someone who gives a damn about the citizens and the community.

[@musicandfiction]

A positive story where there was no fault really to be blamed (sometimes practices just end up not working as we intend them), no deaths, very few injuries, and a location/people who learn and have graciousness. All into one. A different kind of fascination for this one, and well done at that!

[@just_kos99]

That brakeman and the Mayor are remarkable people! I hope the guy who warned trains not to approach Halifax in the early 1900s got into that Railway Hall of Fame, too. He prolly saved hundreds of lives with his warning. He had the chance to get away, but ran back to the office to contact the incoming trains and ended up losing his life for his efforts. I believe you did a video of that day. I Googled it and it's still the largest non-nuclear explosion ever, even over what happened in Beirut.

[@declamatory]

"prolly"

[@catprog]

Patrick Vincent (Vince) Coleman . Seeing as though the hall of fame inductiees was only nominated in 1999,2001,2006,2008,2010 and 2012 I guess they have not gotten to him. He did get into the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame in 2004

[@5roundsrapid263]

He actually ran away, but then remembered a train with over 300 people was due in a few minutes. He went back and saved them all. What a man!

[@Teverell]

To have such a disaster occur and have nobody die is incredible. Outstanding courage from everyone involved in tackling the derailment and fire, and superlative cooperation from those evacuated (and to be moved twice when you've already had your life disrupted...!) No wonder the mayor kept getting re-elected, and no wonder Mississauga is proud of its history. That is something to be very proud of! Thank you for covering this in your usual way and telling those of us who weren't aware of it.

[@patrisha3]

She was a much loved Mayor

[@ExplodingConsole]

The mayor also stayed with the evacuees. She could have gone somewhere else but chose to stay with them. The kind of leader that's there for the people.

[@arynasabalenka3173]

If you have a racially homogeneous population you have a stronger sense of community

[@gavo7911]

@@arynasabalenka3173 How in the hell did you manage to twist this incredible story into some racist bullshit? Get outta here with that

[@jimrudolph1582]

I was a young teen when this happened and lived in Burlington about 15 or so miles from the derailment. The flames were visible from where I lived and when the evacuation started homes in our area were opened to relatives and families to stay. It went so well even as close as we were it didn’t upset everyday life. Amazing response. Hazel is amazing and her legacy far exceeds this one event. Her town is the standard for which cities around the world strive for. Her management of everything taxes, infrastructure, housing, businesses are amazing. Another disaster in the area happened in Hamilton at the west end of Lake Ontario. About twenty miles from this disaster. It’s worth a video, called the plastimet fire I believe it was a tire recycling facility in the industrial area of the city which is very close to and surrounded by residential housing and was within spitting distance of one of the cities largest hospitals. The fire was toxic and burned for days with toxic fumes and contaminated water causing huge logistical problems. Evacuations were ordered and many illnesses and deaths have been attributed to the fire. I drove into the immediate area when they began to close roads and block entry in the immediate area to grab my then girlfriend and her two young daughters from there home within a mile of this site. Stopped by police at more than one road block I defied them and threatened to push them out of my way driving up and around their barricades knocking some over as I was not being denied! It was a confusing time as the dangers at that time were not completely apparent. It was a multi day event that was very costly. Environmentally , the amount of destroyed equipment due to the toxic and corrosive nature of the fire and the health of the firefighters and other services involved. It was not handled as well as Mississauga. That and another huge tire fire in Hagersville even further west but in a rural setting that went on for weeks involving millions of used tires. Both of these deserve your attention.

[@REWYRED]

I remember the plastimet fire... On the "East Mountain" where I grew up seeing a column of black smoke rising from the north east then finding out what it was.... A lit of fallout was wind blown and carried all over the city.

[@jimrudolph1582]

It was a horrible situation. All the patients and staff at the general hospital that were essentially trapped! These things are going to happen in a city with industrial and residential properties intertwined together.

[@natsukxshii]

i’m too emotional sometimes, at the end when you mentioned the pets were taken care of and how the mayor continued to work tirelessly through her sprained ankle made me tear up :’)) it’s nice to see disasters be negated by brave quick-acting people

[@susanowen1709]

"Just this once, everybody lives!" What a great story with which to end 2022. Happy New Year to you, and to all who read the comments here :-)

[@Scorpioncactusflower]

That quote went through my mind too~

[@5roundsrapid263]

Are you my mummy? 😂

[@stevenm3141]

This is a testament to the attitude of the Canadian people. They are generally very willing to help in time of need. Bravo to all involved.

[@stevenkramer3431]

Absolutely agree. As an American, I'm proud that we border such resilient and giving people.

[@misssophie7717]

@@stevenkramer3431 Search “Gander, Newfoundland, 911”. Both this and Gander are the Canadian way. A very proud Canadian.

[@stevenkramer3431]

@@misssophie7717 Well aware of what happened in Gander, and yes, it's more evidence of that

[@masteractor]

As a former resident of Mississauga thank you for getting all the details correct and the pronunciation of the names. Well done. I was born a year later so I missed out.

[@borleyboo5613]

A great example of people helping each other in time of danger and need. God bless all the brave men and women who helped to make this have a happy ending with no fatalities. And I’m so pleased they looked after the animals as well. 👍🇨🇦

[@TheRealChristopherB]

While the derailment itself was certainly not ideal, the response to the the derailment is basically the perfect example of a Anti-Murphy's Law (Yhprum's Law) in action: Everything that could've gone right did. Amazing how a single city was able to unite together as one determined force to survive the ordeal with as little casualties and damage as possible and actually pull it off in the end. Incredible level of solidarity, dedication, and compassion.

[@joanfrellburg4901]

Anti-Murphy's Law - the reason we're sitting here still able to post comments and the entire planet hasn't been blow up by some madman standing 5'4'' tall.

[@michaeltutty1540]

More than just one city. The then City of Metropolitan Toronto as well as Oakville sent emergency teams to help.

[@Unownshipper]

Yhprum's Law... that's pretty good.

[@cybroxde]

This is probably the most wholesome video on this channel so far.

[@oinka720]

I used to work in Mississauga. I wasn't alive yet at the time this happened and I've never even heard of it until today. Thanks for informing me.

[@emc6520]

My parents were involved in this! (They were in high school at the time, my dad snuck around the police barriers to grab some stuff from his house 😅) Thanks for covering this!

[@azuyon9119]

I was thinking how hard it must have been to leave the pets and then you included how even they were cared for. Thank you for mentioning this detail

[@patrisha3]

A lot of people took there pet & stayed in trailer & hotels.

[@yeeN4W]

*THIS* is how _all_ things should be dealt with. The way only key places were open, they fed the ones that needed it, the fire was dealt with as swiftly as possible! Great work all around!

[@bonefetcherbrimley7740]

How this disaster was handled should be the golden standard of how we as a species handle disasters. 10/10.

[@Honkler2002]

My father still remembers the day clearly, he was driving his work truck down the Niagara Escarpment in Vineland and they saw the smoke all the way from across the lake. They had no idea what it was until they turned on the radio.

[@apostately3384]

Wow, I know that road well, I can picture how impressively terrifying that sight would be from that far away!

[@punchdrunkassassin]

Hazel is iconic 💜 Thank you for covering this story, I grew up on the west coast of Canada and never heard about it. I'm sure I'm not alone! It warms my heart to see how it all ended up playing out, and that even the pets were saved!

[@alison9189]

Same here west coast 😊🌲

[@davidci]

I read the title at first as "The Mississuaga Massacre" at first and was extremely surprised to read in the description that everyone survives. Jokes aside, this was an extremely commendable act that no one died from the fire and derailment.

[@dinascharnhorst6590]

As the 9th Doctor once said, "Just this once, everybody lives!"

[@mustangnawt1]

Canada 🇨🇦 is awesome. To be known for being kind is a beautiful thing. The care for people & animals alike should be an example of how to handle a disaster. God Bless them All:)

[@DalokiMauvais]

I'm a subscriber, but mainly watch KZbin on Roku where I can't leave comments. This, though, was so good that I fired up my browser to tell you how much I enjoyed it. Your well-written narrative made the entire story clear and compelling. Your including the recognition the trainman who uncoupled the cars was especially rewarding to hear. A masterful video indeed - thank you!

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

It's nice to hear a story that didn't end in tragedy, but instead showed great heroism and a calm, measured response to a situation that could easily have been a calamity. Respect

[@zuitsuit80]

What a great story. That mayor was a true leader and those people were absolutely incredible to survive all together, including their pets. It’s a town full of heroes.

[@lignesceil]

She still is to this day

[@machrisr2000]

Suggestion: I agree with those who propose the Oakland Ghost Ship fire. That would be an excellent episode!

[@gekko2908]

I just wanna say thanks for being one of the best straight-to-buisness history channels, I love listening to interesting disasters. Also congrats on getting close to a million subs, very well deserved!

[@MsPopeye65]

This is a great example of how capable us humans can be under times of great stress and upheaval…. The real hero’s were the train drivers who had the courage and brains to avoid a catastrophic tragedy by moving the rest of the cargo away from the fire?!… Without their actions I imagine that this would have been a much more grim outcome?!…. ❤

[@katiekane5247]

I'm sure the Union would reprimand them for their actions.

[@davidcox3076]

It really was remarkable. The crew stayed calm and immediately determined the best course of action. They came through when it really counted.

[@meaningoftheunicorn]

I'm so glad you mentioned the animals. Too often forgotten.

[@objectjon9015]

This is a case of everyone working together, doing their part to ensure minor causalities. The fact that there were no deaths is Amazing to me

[@SakuraKiss146]

I love when you choose to make these success episodes. It’s just as fascinating to see how everything can go right during a disaster as it is to see it all go wrong. And with both we can learn valuable lessons.

[@chickenlittle5095]

Now there is a mayor we all could do with ❤

[@zachsmith1676]

I was and still am, i'd be lying if i said otherwise, sad when she retired... she was the best mayor I've known in my ongoing lease on life

[@sherrygray8261]

She was Mayor when I lived there in the 1980's, amazing lady and loved

[@nathanchung27]

Born and raised in Mississauga and I had the honour of skating with Mrs. McCallion when I was 13. I'll never forget that! She's everyone's grandma here hahaha

[@savegame3308]

I do love that this community is good enough that different KZbinrs can tackle the same subject at the just months from eachother and the videos can still be unique in their own ways.

[@Debbiesdilemmas]

I was a teenager at the time and lived very close to the derailment. My parents ran down the street to see what was happening and they said they could feel the vibration through the road. Very soon after we were told to pack quickly and leave our homes. I remember bringing our cat and his litter box in the back of our car. We headed towards Square One our local mall where they set up for people to stay the night. All I can remember is staying in the car with my cat for a while. We eventually headed to friends and then relatives. After about a week we were allowed to go home. It really was an experience I’ll never forget.

[@coconyt3623]

As someone who loves Canada; this was awesome

[@kathyjones1576]

We always hear about how calm, easy going, and supportive Canada is. This is just another incident proving that Canadian attitude is real.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

And changing swiftly as its leadership has changed. 😢

[@xxferalfreakxx]

Indigenous children would like to disagree

[@madwhitehare3635]

@@xxferalfreakxx ….would you expand on that?

[@cyberpleb2472]

@@xxferalfreakxx Indeed. Canada tried to convert its natives to Christianity at all costs. Terrible (as religion often is). But slightly better than the American "solution" of simply hunting and killing them.

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

I am a Canadian RN who worked as a nurse in Texas and also in Canada. I will tell you truthfully that my American patients were FAR more polite, respectful and kind to nurses than Canadians and they had to pay out of their pockets while Canadians get it all for free.

[@Nat-eb1ix]

Got me crying on a Tuesday morning that they even made sure all of the animals were okay 😭 "Just this once, everybody lives!" - Peter Eccleston as the 9th Doctor, Doctor Who

[@davidsmarrt4049]

I live 3 blocks from where this happened and my parents remember the roads being closed and seeing all the smoke, scary times!

[@pipersfancy]

I appreciate your retelling of this uplifting story of triumph over adversity, especially during the holiday season! As a Canadian in my late 50s, I clearly remember the news coverage of this event when it occurred. The effectiveness and organization of the Mayor and her team, paired with efficiency and courage of responders, led to what truly can be called a miraculous outcome!

[@wich1]

Hi, a disaster that may be of interest to cover is the 2014 eruption of Mount Ontake volcano in Japan. A popular hiking destination as it is the second biggest volcano in Japan and has beautiful scenery. Pretty much no-one expected it to erupt anytime soon as it was thought inactive until 1979 with only minor activity since then and basically no significant earthquake activity leading up to the event until it did erupt one September morning and claimed dozens of lives.

[@lordshell]

Competence. What a refreshing change.

[@xanderunderwoods3363]

To my eastern Canadian neighbors, much love from Alaska, I love all the heart that you guys have coming together in times crisis, couldn't ask for better neighbors. ❤🙂❤ This story is indeed a genuine miracle

[@Hank..]

There's something special about everyone coming together in a time of crisis. In emergencies, facades disappear and people show what REALLY matters to them. This disaster highlights a community of people who are, at their core, good human beings. The world will always have disasters; mistakes happen, natural disasters occur, and once in a while, misfortune finds us. All we can do is try our best to avoid them and, when our best efforts fail, do our best to act like these people did.

[@zoltanrudolf]

I discovered this channel a few days ago. It is perfect. The length, the scripting, the narration, the music. Highly recommended.

[@jeffwalker7185]

I would not describe this as a miracle, but an example of humanity at its best and bravest, especially the three men who had the foresight to move the undamaged parts of the train.

[@kathyjones1576]

It's still a miracle, considering the danger of the cargo and the mass evacuation, there were no deaths. I would definitely call that a miracle.

[@arifhossain9751]

​@@kathyjones1576 The miracle is that all those people actually cooperated with each other.

[@johnr797]

"Humanity at its best and bravest" So, a miracle, then.

[@choco_L8]

the usage of miracle probably isn't that deep, I'm guessing that it's just for alliteration along with the fact that Mississauga Disaster makes the event sound fatal

[@jeffwalker7185]

@@johnr797 Nope - generally, when things go wrong it is the norm, not the exception, for humanity to rise to the challenge and work together. Look back at any major incident and you will find people race to the scene and offer help and support - sometimes digging with their bare hands to rescue people.

[@ash1rose]

Listening to how there were no serious injuries or death speaks to the expertise, professionalism, caring, competence, and initiate of the people in charge. It’s amazing what can happen when competent people run things.

[@HPgirl]

That was absolutely beautiful. This is not the first time this channel has made me cry, but it is the first time it is for a positive reason.

[@theladyinblack3055]

Canada doesn't have states. We have provinces. And we are NOT on American soil!! I remember this. I was in my last year of high school. My Dad worked for CP Rail as a supervisor for a district along the route and was thus involved in the investigation. We knew as soon as it happened - that investigation began immediately and he was called in in the middle of the night. Derailments were a big deal and always taken very seriously. Rarely did they happen in a populated area. I can't remember why the hot box wasn't detected or reported along the way - it should have been caught long before any damage actually occurred. But the guys on the train acted quickly and certainly deserved praise!! As did the emergency responders!! As for the mayor? She's a legend!

[@fenrar9777]

As someone who has watched many of your videos, one like this about a disaster where things where done right is well appreciated and I think sometimes needed

[@disturbinglypragmatic]

I was 7 when this happened. It was quite something to live through...the largest, most successful evacuation during peace time. Thanks so much for covering it!

[@tyson211]

I love how even the pets were saved and cared for. Happy New Years fam!

[@ptop49]

Great story. Thanks for covering it. What an effort and execution by everyone, from the train crew to the firefighters. Even the pets were cared for! Excellence in execution! The Mayor did a great job too airing on the side of caution and evacuating everyone. She is revered here as the greatest Mayor. They call her Hurricane Hazel. Never heard of the details of the story though as I was a wee lad at the time. One thing you said Toronto is the state Capitol. It’s the provincial Capitol (no states in Canada). You also said one of the largest evacuations on American soil. If you meant North American, that’s fine, unless you meant Canadian soil. Either way glad everyone was saved!

[@gethap]

And Via trains are exclusively passenger rail. But cool to see a lesser-known Canadian story!

[@fouresterofthetrees287]

Amazing that they were able to take care of pets in a city of 220K. It can get very cold at that time of year, so any pet left outside for 7 straight days could be in trouble.

[@joansemenec1387]

It's amazing that this community came together given this train disaster because they proved that their positive attitude of "we're going to do it together" is a force to be reckoned with. The fact that Mayor McCallion took care of this city in the way that she did is quite amazing because she proved that you don't mess with a tough cookie like her when she was helping to clean up this city. Good job, madam mayor McCallion and Mississauga, Canada residents because you all pulled together in a time of trouble and didn't let that train wreck pull all of you down!!

[@jesusbeloved3953]

Boy, you weren’t kidding when you claimed this a miracle! It took everyone doing what they could do for the good of all. That’s a miracle!

[@schmeldwicksmith5379]

I spent my childhood about an hours drive from there, I would have been 4 yrs old when this happened. And I've never heard a thing about it til now! Which is crazy, it's probably because no one died, which is a shame. I felt such pride for my country watching this, there should be a national holiday every year to commemorate such bravery and resilience, to remind us all what we're capable of. Thank you so much for telling this story, FH. Truly a beautiful Xmas present.

[@WouldntULikeToKnow.]

Every aspect of this terrible situation was handled impressively. Thanks for sharing, FH, and happy holidays to everyone.

[@GeneSavage]

was not expecting a feel-good story from Fascinating Horror.. but was not disappointed!!! Happy holidays! This community is a model for the rest of us. Bravo!!

[@jbrubin8274]

The circumstances and the situation they potentially faced could have easily taken many lives. This truly was a miracle. Your description of Mississauga is very on-point. It’s a close community. Example one being the guy who worked off and on for his own father-in-law. Who didn’t think twice when asked to go and take a huge risk. All three men quickly identified the present danger and what they needed to do. Their immediacy not only saved lives it came out of this kind of location. It may technically be a city but it feels like a really tight knit, small town. Creating bonds that when the unexpected happens they barely need to talk to become extraordinarily effective. Sometimes, like here as first responders were arriving, that immediate danger was already cleared by the three men. The rapidity with which those not fighting the blaze to remove those directly in it’s path. Eventually resulting in an entire town picking up and moving, several times. Truly was amazing in how everyone listened and moved, many more than once. Mainly because sweet, innocent looking Hazel, was not giving “advice” that was a kind order and they knew that. Mayor Hazel was nobody’s fool and served that town well for multiple terms, as you correctly pointed out. If she said move they didn’t ask why, all they knew was she wouldn’t be ordering you to were it not for a very good reason. The community coming together the many ways it did was humanity at its finest. (Sorry for the long reply. While not personally connected to this story in any way, I had family members fighting the Great Lynn Fire of 1983. In that conflagration there was a building that held dangerous chemicals as well. Yet no one turned away, risking all. Why I’m so familiar with an accident that turned into a miracle. The danger, even with the best protection for those fighting, of losing one’s life, is a real possibility. As I nearly lost my godfather that night, at 9yo, I said goodbye. Thankfully he beat the odds and remains a septuagenerian pain in my behind to this day.🙏😂

[@joanhoffman3702]

May he continue to be a pain in the butt for many years to come. 😁

[@jbrubin8274]

@@joanhoffman3702 Thank you very much. Wishing you and yours a wonderful New Year. 🎆🎇

[@chrisbyers9108]

Love the content as usual but small detail, there are no "State" capitals because Canada has Provinces and Territories. Toronto is the capital of the Province of Ontario. I can't believe I live maybe an hour from Mississauga but have never heard of this. Thank you for covering these niche incidents

[@rover5788]

Right on, thanks!🙂

[@5roundsrapid263]

I’m an American, and even know that. American states are more autonomous than Canadian provinces.

[@cgrooney9945]

I've left this comment before but since you are covering Canada, Suggestion for another video is the "Hoggs Hollow" accident. 5 workers lives were taken and resulted in workplace laws being changed. Cheers! Thanks for your work

[@truecrimepodcasting]

He doesn’t seem to know he’s covering Canada as he calls Toronto a state capital and says it was the largest peacetime evacuation of an American city.

[@NeKisha_in_Maine]

@@truecrimepodcasting I'll break it to you...Canadians and Mexicans are also Americans. They literally live in North America. The Unites States of America is one of several countries on the continent...not the only one.

[@truecrimepodcasting]

@@NeKisha_in_Maine if he meant N. America he would have said so. When people say MAGA are they referring to Canada? Also I guess Ontario is still a state, though.

[@truecrimepodcasting]

@@NeKisha_in_Maine oh btw let me break you this the - largest peacetime evac occurring in “America” was 1999 hurricane Floyd with 10x as many people as Mississauga. I fled both :)

[@orendungan3455]

This is a fantastic story, and very well told, thank you. No disheartening tale of willful negligence or unheeded warnings, just a stupid mechanical error showing up uninvited. No downstream dismissal of the danger or incompetent bungling in the response, just those in a position to react doing so in the best way possible. In a world where corporate cost-cutting and bureaucratic cynicism tends to be the rule of the day we need to occasionally hear a story where the bad thing that happened didn't become the worst thing that could.

[@raeofsunshine8377]

I was in Mississauga last month for my cousin's wedding. It's an amazing community to this day. Beautifully maintained and safe.

[@RealBradMiller]

Hazel!!!! What a lady, what a mayor!! Amazing story, and the pets, too?! 🥲

[@Brad25255]

I was worried about the pets. Glad they were ok too 😊

[@normalhuman9878]

This incident really demonstrates humanity at its best

[@cuddlepaws4423]

The Mayor is a remarkable woman. She is what all people in her position should aspire to be. A shining example of a public servant who hasn't got her fingers in the cookie jar. The people of Canada are to be commended on being so organized, calm and brave in this situation. Very heartwarming. This restores my faith in humanity and shows just what we can do.