Ironworkers Memorial Plaque

On a somber afternoon in June 1958, a tragedy struck the construction of the Second Narrows Bridge. The Ironworkers Memorial Plaque stands as a testament to this devastating event. The Ironworkers Memorial Plaque poignantly remembers the lives lost during the bridge’s construction. This plaque, located near the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing, isn’t just a piece of metal. It represents the heartbreak and resilience of a community. On that fateful day, the central span of the bridge, a massive 1100-foot section, collapsed. Seventy-nine workers plummeted into the frigid waters of the inlet below. Nineteen lives were tragically lost. This included fourteen ironworkers, four other bridge workers, and a courageous rescue diver. It was the worst industrial accident in Vancouver’s history. The bridge was later renamed the “Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing” to honor the fallen. The Ironworkers Memorial Plaque specifically lists the names of the 23 workers who perished during the entire bridge construction project. Every year, a ceremony is held at the Ironworkers Memorial Plaque. Survivors, families, and community members gather to remember the victims. They share stories, lay wreaths, and reflect on the impact of this tragic event. The ceremony includes a poignant walk to the memorial cairn beside the highway at the foot of the bridge, led by a piper. The Ironworkers Memorial Plaque serves as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made in building this vital crossing. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and a call for continued vigilance in workplace safety.