December 15, 1967 – Silver Bridge collapse

It was rush hour on this day in 1967 when the Silver Bridge that spanned the Ohio River between Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio collapsed. The disaster took 46 lives, two of the victims were never recovered. In the wreckage of the eyebar bridge it was found that a 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) deep defect in one of the eyebars caused the collapse. Further analysis showed the bridge, which opened in 1928, was carrying heavier loads that it had been designed for. In wake of the tragedy legislation was created that required the regular inspection and analysis of bridges across the United States, ensuring safer roadways for commuters.

The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.

Subscriber benefits include:

  • Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
  • Early access to content on Facebook
  • Discounts on our store
  • Special live videos

If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!

No payment method connected. Contact seller.

This Day in Automotive History - the book!

This Day In Automotive History

By Brian Corey

This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.

This Day in Automotive History

This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.

We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.