The Evening News. Monday June 20 2005 Bascule Bridge Collapse Slowed Vital Ore Flow The flow of iron ore through the St. Mary’s Fall Canal was seriously threatened on the eve of American entrance into World War II by the collapse of the bascule bridge across the locks. The North segment of the bascule bridge, which crosses the approach to the Third and Fourth Locks, collapsed early on the morning of Tuesday. Oct 7 1941, when a Soo Line Railroad engine and tender were carried into the water when the bridge collapsed. Two men, David Monroe of the Sault, and Hazen J. Willis of Gladstone, lost their lives in the accident. At that time, the Canadian canal was unable to handle ships drawing over 17 feet four inches and the Poe Lock could only handle 16 feet six inches draft. Ore carriers which were more heavy laden on course, were unable to pass through the locks until the damage was cleared. The MacArthur Lock was not constructed at that time. Two other crewmen Carl Zeimer and Francis Peller, were thrown into the St. Mary’s River, but escaped with their lives. The bridge was reopened by the evening of Oct. 8 and the flow of iron ore resumed through the canal. On Oct. 10, the locomotive and tender were lifted from the water to complete the clearing of the canal. Just for those who are interested these pictures came with the news article
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 21:25:24 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015