Silver Bridge

The Silver Bridge was a suspension bridge connecting Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and Gallipolis, Ohio, over the Ohio River. Opened in 1928, it was vital for local transportation. On December 15, 1967, the bridge suddenly collapsed without warning, resulting in the deaths of 46 people. The disaster was caused by a failure in a critical steel eye-bar, which corroded over time and fractured due to metal fatigue. Its collapse highlighted the importance of regular structural inspections and maintenance to ensure safety. The incident led to significant changes in bridge safety standards and inspection practices nationwide.