Looking Back: The Marion Bridge Collapse [Oct. 30th, 1982]

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Posted this 2018-12-28 3:43 PM AST

Photo Credit: Angela Polegatto

On March 3rd, 1982, the Marion Bridge collapsed under the weight of a provincial plow truck. Both plow operators - Lawrence Gillis and Billy Martin - survived the accident despite the plunge into the icy water below. The new bridge was constructed and officially opened on October 30th, 1982. Crane operator, Joe Capstick, working for Levatte Construction pulled the plow from the water.

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Lisa MacIntyre Follow Me 2018-12-29 8:43 AM AST Reply 1 0 I was just telling someone last night about my Dad, Billy Martin, falling through Marion Bridge on the snow plow. A fact that not many may know is that he climbed back into the plow to shut the motor off. He tried to use a windshield wiper at first but it wouldn’t turn the key. My Dad is 92 now and still shakes his head in disbelief when he thinks about it. Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-12-29 12:18 PM AST Reply 0 0 It's hard to turn off our normal instincts in a shocking situation. Glad they came out of the accident ok, and with an interesting story to tell for years to come. :)

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Lisa MacIntyre Follow Me 2018-12-29 8:43 AM AST

Reply 1 0

I was just telling someone last night about my Dad, Billy Martin, falling through Marion Bridge on the snow plow. A fact that not many may know is that he climbed back into the plow to shut the motor off. He tried to use a windshield wiper at first but it wouldn’t turn the key. My Dad is 92 now and still shakes his head in disbelief when he thinks about it.

Joe Ward Follow Me 2018-12-29 12:18 PM AST

Reply 0 0

It's hard to turn off our normal instincts in a shocking situation. Glad they came out of the accident ok, and with an interesting story to tell for years to come. :)

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Looking Back: The Marion Bridge Collapse [Oct. 30th, 1982]

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