On the night of Friday, January 15, 1926, the Cranston Heights Fire Company was alerted to a house fire in Marshallton, Delaware. While responding, just before the Marshallton school house in front of Mackinson’s store, the engine skidded on ice as they rounded the curve. The engine struck several trees and landed overturned, trapping three of the firefighters under the apparatus, and seven others were thrown clear of the engine. Neighbors rushed to help lift the engine off of the injured firefighters and those with automobiles transported the injured firefighters to the local hospital. The police ambulance was also called but arrived after all of the firefighters had been evacuated.

Firefighters who were killed in the crash were Edward Ainsworth, 19; David E. Hook, 20; and Alfred E. Ogdon, 21, who died the next day from head injuries.

The house fire, which turned out to be a small chimney fire, was brought under control by neighboring companies.