Dark Poutine - True Crime and Dark History · Dark Poutine / Curiouscast

The Collapse of the Second Narrows Bridge: A Tragedy in Steel

April 28, 2025·54 min·5 clips

Mike and Matthew discuss bridges in British Columbia, hinting at a tragic collapse story ahead.

This episode details the 1958 collapse of the Second Narrows Bridge in Vancouver during its construction. Hosts Mike Brown and Matthew Stockton, self-described "ordinary Canadian schmucks," narrate this dark historical tragedy. The disaster occurred on June 17, 1958, as workers were placing a large concrete span. The bridge, officially named the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, was being built to connect Vancouver and North Vancouver. A section known as Span 5 collapsed into the Burrard Inlet, taking dozens of men with it. The hosts describe the immediate aftermath as one of chaos and frantic rescue efforts. They note that 18 construction workers lost their lives in the initial collapse. A 19th victim, a diver named John Harry, died during the salvage operation. One surprising detail is that a design error in a temporary support structure, called a "falsework," was a primary cause. The hosts explain that a critical calculation error led to a temporary support being too weak. They mention the immense pressure of the construction schedule, which may have contributed to oversight. A memorable moment describes the eerie sound of the collapse, which witnesses reported as a loud groan or roar. The hosts highlight the personal stories of several workers who were on the bridge that day. The episode also covers the lengthy inquiry that followed the disaster to assign responsibility. It notes the lasting legacy of the event, including the bridge's official renaming to honor the ironworkers. The tone is conversational and educational, blending historical facts with respectful storytelling. The style is narrative, building tension as it leads toward the moment of the collapse. Listeners interested in Canadian engineering history and industrial disasters would find this compelling. Those seeking only modern criminal cases might choose to skip this historical deep dive.

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