The Match Test Legend

The Screaming Tunnel near Niagara Falls, Ontario is famous for its ghostly legend. According to local lore, lighting a match in the center of the tunnel will summon the screams of a murdered girl whose spirit extinguishes the flame.

The Location

The tunnel:

• Near Niagara Falls
• Warner Road
• Thorold, Ontario
• Old railway tunnel
• Limestone construction

The Legend

Three versions exist:

• Girl burned by father
• Farm fire victim
• Accident victim
• All involve fire
• Young girl ghost

Version One

Most common tale:

• Father set her ablaze
• After custody dispute
• She ran into tunnel
• Died inside
• Spirit remains

Version Two

Alternative story:

• Nearby farm fire
• Girl escaped burning
• Ran to tunnel
• Collapsed and died
• Trapped spirit

Version Three

Another account:

• Accidental fire
• Clothing ignited
• Ran for help
• Found tunnel
• Perished inside

The Test

The ritual:

• Stand at center
• Strike a match
• Flame goes out
• Screaming heard
• Spirit manifests

What People Report

Experiences include:

• Match extinguishes
• Screams heard
• Cold spots
• Uneasy feelings
• Shadow movement

The Tunnel Today

Current state:

• Abandoned
• Accessible
• Graffiti covered
• Popular destination
• Ghost hunting site

Film Connection

David Cronenberg:

• Filmed “The Dead Zone”
• Used the tunnel
• 1983 movie
• Increased fame
• Tourist draw

Investigation History

Paranormal teams:

• Regular visits
• EVP attempts
• Temperature readings
• Mixed results
• Popular location

Skeptical View

Natural explanations:

• Drafts in tunnel
• Acoustic effects
• Suggestion power
• No historic record
• Legend only

Historical Research

Attempts to verify:

• No death records found
• No matching incident
• Local legend only
• Origin unknown
• Cannot confirm

Local Lore

Niagara area:

• Many haunted sites
• Ghost tourism
• Rich history
• Multiple legends
• Tourist appeal

Significance

Long-standing interactive ghost legend with specific ritual, consistent reports, and cultural staying power.

Legacy

The Screaming Tunnel represents participatory ghost lore—a haunting you can test yourself, drawing generations of visitors to attempt the match ritual in darkness.