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On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge collapsed while it was full rush hour traffic, resulting in the deaths of 46 people. Two of the victims were never found. Investigation of the wreckage pointed to the cause of the collapse being the failure of a single eyebar in a suspension chain, due to a small defect 0.1 inches deep. Analysis showed the bridge was carrying much heavier loads than it had originally been designed for and was also poorly maintained.

1. Silver Bridge Before Collapse; Point Pleasant, W. Va.

Caption reads: "In 1887 a covered bridge was constructed across Thirteen Mile Creek, at Buxton Mill in Mason County, just above the old mill. It was approximately 150 feet long and stood high above the waters of "Thirteen". An iron bridge replaced the old covered bridge in 1949. The old mill in the picture was built on Thirteen Mile Creek in 1877 by Darius Buxton. The large four story mill was the center of trade in that area. Picture and history furnished by Mrs. Juanita Burdette of Huntington, West Virginia."

2. Covered Bridge Across Thirteen Mile Creek at Buxton Mill; Mason Co., W. Va.

3. Town of Clifton, W. Va.