The Severn & Wye Bridge Disaster

28/11/2014

Paul Burnett, of the Friends of Purton, will provide an insight into this horrific river disaster.

The Severn & Wye Railway Bridge built by the Severn Bridge Railway Company in the 1870's to transport coal from the Forest of Dean crossed  the River Severn between Sharpness and Lydney in Gloucestershire.  Construction commenced in 1875 and was completed in 1879. The cast iron single-track  bridge,  4,162 feet (1,269 m) long and 70 feet (21 m) above high water, had 22 spans and had stone abutments made from local limestone. The span across the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal operated as a swing bridge. The rail bridge was never a financial success and following a disaster in 1960 demolision begun in 1967. 

 

On Monday 25th October 2010 just off the foreshore at Purton, on a fog bound River Severn, two John Harker owned tanker barges, carrying 296 tons of black oil and 351 tons of petroleum spirit respectively, collided with the Severn and Wye Railway  Bridge. The collision and subsequent explosion not only caused irreparable damage to the bridge, bringing down one of the upright columns and two sections of span,  but sadly caused five members of the barges  crew tolose their lives and three others to have their lives changed forever.

Wotton-under-Edge Civic Centre

Friday 28th November 2014 at 7.30pm

Visitors welcome. Non-members £5 on the door

The Historical Society

If you are interested in local or family history and want to meet others with similar interests, The Historical Society and Heritage Centre is the organisation to join. By becoming a member you will also be able to attend our lectures as well as participate in the many social events, excursions and other activities we sponsor throughout the year. In addition you will receive our annual journal and newsletters.

Please visit the Society page to find out more.