Memorial Service – 46th anniversary of West Gate Bridge collapse

October 13, 2017

The West Gate Bridge Memorial Committee invites you to attend the public memorial service.

The collapse of the bridge, only two years into its construction, remains one of Australia’s worst peace-time workplace tragedies.

It was 11:50am on 15 October 1970 when a 2000 tonne, 112 meter span between two piers fell 50 meters down across the muddy banks and into the Yarra River below.

Thirty-five workers died, while 18 others were injured. Many of those killed were working on or inside the span at the time, while others were on their break in the crib huts below the structure.

The impact of this tragedy has scarred many, both physically and emotionally.

Memorial service 

Every year on the anniversary, the families, friends and workmates of the victims gather at the site for a memorial service to honour them. Members of the public are also welcome to attend.

When: 11:30am, Sunday 15 October

Where: West Gate Memorial site, located beneath the bridge in Douglas Parade, Spotswood.

The Victorian AWU State Secretary, Ben Davis, will address families, friends and workmates.

For further information, visit the memorial website.

 

 

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