Honouring the Victims of B.C.’s Worst Industrial Disaster

Dozens of ironworkers, labour organization members, and dignitaries gathered at New Brighton Park in Vancouver on Tuesday to commemorate the anniversary of the Second Narrows bridge collapse, which remains British Columbia’s most tragic industrial disaster.

The event continued a long-standing tradition of remembrance that began with members of Ironworkers Local 97. Their dedication to honouring the fallen led to the official renaming of the bridge as the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. This name stands as a lasting tribute to the lives lost and the importance of workplace safety.

As part of the ceremony, an iron rose was passed to an apprentice ironworker currently working on the new Pattullo Bridge project. This symbolic gesture reflects the continuity of remembrance and the shared responsibility of protecting future generations of workers.

On June 17, 1958, eighteen workers were killed when a section of the Second Narrows bridge collapsed. A diver lost his life during recovery efforts, and four additional workers died before construction was completed.

IBEW 993 stands with workers and families across the province in remembering those who were lost. We continue to advocate for the highest safety standards on every job site.