AN ILL-FATED BRIDGE

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 12 September 1916, Page 5

AN ILL-FATED BRIDGE

COLLAPSES A SECOND TIME. (Received 5.50.) OTTAWA, Sept, 11. The new St. Lawrence bridge, being erected on the site of that which collapsed in 1907. Iras been partially wrecked. When the central span, weighing 5000 tons, the largest cantilever in the world, collapsed while being floated into position. An unknown number of workmen were drowned. FALL OF THE BRIDGE WITNESSED BY CABINET MINISTERS. AND AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS (Received 11.40) OTTAWA, Sept. 11. Ninety men were thrown off the central span of the bridge as it w«.s being floated into position. Some bod ies were recovered. Spectators on the banks recued numbers in boats. Tho span fell 200 feet to the bottom of rne river, and it is believed to be irrecoverable. Arrangements were complete for the opening of the bridge in a few weeks. The structure was intended to shorten the route between Montreal and Eastern Canada. Dominion Cabinet Ministers saw the catastrophe in company with Australian Members of Parliament returning' from the Empire Parliamentary Conference. Steam traffic has been completer.' suspended. The St Lawrence deatn roll is given at 20.