Snapshot of the past

The day the railway bridge collapsed in Warragul – May 2, 1962.

Shortly after 3.30pm, a low-loader transporting a 32-tonne transformer to the SEC’s Yallourn power station crossed the railway bridge in Alfred St, which was then part of the Princes Highway. It was believed to have been the third taken over the bridge in a week.

Only seconds after the low-loader, which was being pushed by a prime mover, had left the bridge, the 45-foot span covering the railway up-line collapsed.

The prime mover was prevented from falling to the railway line by a fully-laden 10,000-gallon capacity motor spirit tanker on the railway below – note the “highly inflammable” writing on the tanker.

Wires from overhead lines caring 1500 volts lashed the tanker, throwing out sparks and flashes of blue flames.

On the bridge above, the prime mover was balancing with its front wheels safely across, but with its rear wheels still trapped on the bridge.

A woman driving a small sedan car, which had been following the load, found herself in the middle of the dip. She leapt from the car and ran off the bridge. Also on the bridge at the time were several school children.

“There was a terrific bang; the ground rumbled beneath me as if there was an earthquake,” said eyewitness Edwin Evans.

Melbourne-bound traffic was diverted along Burke St and East Gippsland-bound traffic via Albert Rd and Nilma.

Travelling on a detour route necessary because of the bridge collapse, four German migrants were killed after their vehicle was hit by the Gippslander Express at the level crossing in Nilma on May 5.

Photograph and information courtesy of the Warragul and District Historical Society.

If you have any additional information about this photograph, please contact The Gazette on 5623 5666 or editorial@warragulgazette.com.au.

Last week’s photograph of a 120-tonne tank being transported through Warragul to Sale in 1968 brought back memories for Syd Smith of Bunyip.

The tank was transported by Keogh Heavy Haulage to the Longford Gas Plant.

Pat Keogh was instrumental in establishing one of the first heavy haulage businesses in Victoria.

The company transported many heavy loads to the Snowy Mountains and later to the Thomson dam construction site.

The steerable axles on the back trailer are now owned by Kevin Cahill Heavy Haulage based at Pakenham.