oct 25, 1960 - Severn (rail) Bridge Disaster
Description:
The Severn Railway Bridge, completed in 1879, crossed the river between Purton and Sharpness providing a link for passengers and freight between South Wales and Bristol. It also linked communities of the Forest of Dean with those on the Eastern side of the Severn. On the evening of 25th October in thick fog two oil barges collided with the bridge. A section of bridge collapsed onto them starting a fire , and a gas pipe carried on the bridge was severed. 5 men were killed int he accident.Added to timeline:
Date:
oct 25, 1960
Now
~ 64 years ago