Dixon Bridge Disaster
The Dixon Bridge Disaster, also known as the Truesdell Bridge Disaster, occurred on Sunday, May 4, 1873, when the bridge across the Rock River at Dixon, Illinois, collapsed while spectators were observing a baptism ceremony in the river below. The collapse killed 46 people and injured at least 56 others. In terms of total deaths and injuries, the event may be the worst road bridge disaster in American history.
The Dixon (Ill.) Truesdell Bridge Collapse, May 1873. View: looking north | |
| Date | May 4, 1873 |
|---|---|
| Location | Dixon, Illinois |
| Coordinates | 41.844830°N 89.484430°W |
| Also known as | Truesdell Bridge Disaster |
| Type | Bridge disaster |
| Cause | Bridge design flaw |
| Deaths | 46 |
| Non-fatal injuries | at least 56 |
A coroner's jury ruled that the Dixon City Council erred in judgment in selecting the Truesdell bridge design, which was determined to be faulty.
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