The Tasman Bridge disaster was a tragic event that occurred in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on January 5, 1975. On that day, the oil tanker MV Lake Illawarra collided with one of the piers of the Tasman Bridge, causing a significant portion of the bridge to collapse into the River Derwent. The bridge was a major transport link connecting the eastern and western suburbs of Hobart, and the collapse resulted in widespread disruption to the city.
The collision caused 12 people to lose their lives and many more were injured. It also caused significant damage to the oil tanker and the surrounding area. The falling concrete and steel debris damaged several boats and homes near the bridge and caused power outages in the area.
The Tasmanian government and the local community were quick to respond to the disaster, launching a massive cleanup and repair effort. Temporary bridges were erected to restore road and rail links across the River Derwent, and the Tasman Bridge was eventually repaired and reopened to traffic in 1977.
The Tasman Bridge disaster had a profound impact on the people of Hobart and Tasmania, and it remains a significant event in the state’s history. The disaster was a stark reminder of the importance of safety and engineering practices in the design and construction of critical infrastructure, and it inspired efforts to improve the safety and reliability of bridges and other transport links across Australia and around the world.
