Local author Jamie Bramburger unveiled his book “Sudden Impact” on February 25th at the Ottawa Valley Heritage Centre, formerly known as Champlain Trail Museum, in Pembroke. Bramburger explains how he got some of the information regarding the train wreck.
The book launch had a heartbreaking touch as family members of the train wreck victims were specially invited. The event underscored the significance of the book and the importance of preserving the memory of the tragic incident. He has spent many years connecting with the families of the victims to gain their knowledge and stories and spent the rest of his research looking into archives.
Bramburger expressed the profound importance of the launch and highlighted how connecting with the affected family members has influenced his writing.
“Sudden Impact” delves into The Almonte Train Wreck of 1942, recounting the collision between a steel troop train and a passenger train carrying workers from communities like Chalk River, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, and Petawawa to Ottawa. The incident claimed 38 lives and left over 150 individuals injured.
Bramburger tells myFM how much time and effort he has put into this book to make sure people never forget this horrible accident that changed so many lives.
Published by Burnstown Publishing House, “Sudden Impact” is available for purchase at the same location.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
