The Second Narrows Bridge Collapse

The new Second Narrows Bridge was built across the Burrard Inlet to replace the old bridge, which had been repeatedly hit by ships ever since its opening. In June of 1958 a group of 59 workers were building the sixth span of the bridge. Without warning, the span's front end drooped downwards and collapsed into the water. Men were thrown into the water or dragged down into the wreckage, attached to the steel beams by safty belts. Eighteen men died in the accident. The new bridge was opened in 1960 and renamed The Steelworkers Memorial Bridge.