The Heron Road Bridge was officially renamed the “Heron Road Workers Memorial Bridge” Wednesday, on the 50th anniversary of the deadliest workplace disaster in Ottawa’s history.
On Aug. 10, 1966, workers were pouring concrete on the eastern portion of the 70 metre span across the Rideau River when it collapsed. Nine workers were killed and more than 60 others were injured.
After a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the disaster, Tom Daly walked on the bridge and over to the spot where he was when it collapsed.
“This gathering has helped with getting over some of the fear that lives inside you when you go through something like this,” Daly said.
A number of people who survived the collapse and jumped into help were on hand during Wednesday's ceremony.
