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Haunting

Screaming Tunnel

Strike a match in the darkness of this abandoned railway tunnel and you'll hear a girl scream. She burned to death here—running from her burning farmhouse, or murdered by her father. Either way, when the match lights, she screams again.

1900s - Present
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
1000+ witnesses

The Screaming Tunnel responds to fire.

The Legend

Two versions:

  • Girl fled burning house
  • Or father set her ablaze
  • Ran into tunnel
  • Collapsed in flames
  • Died in darkness

The Phenomenon

What happens:

  • Enter tunnel
  • Strike wooden match
  • Scream heard
  • Match goes out
  • Girl’s spirit

The Location

Physical description:

  • Old railway tunnel
  • Under train tracks
  • Near Niagara Falls
  • Stone construction
  • Abandoned

The Ritual

How to experience:

  • Go at night
  • Stand in center
  • Light match
  • Listen carefully
  • Scream should come

The Skeptics

Alternative explanations:

  • Wind patterns
  • Acoustics
  • Suggestibility
  • No evidence of death
  • But many report sounds

The Fame

Cultural impact:

  • David Cronenberg filmed here
  • “The Dead Zone”
  • Tourist attraction
  • Ghost hunters visit
  • Part of Niagara lore

Sources