Whitewell Bridge Collapses
On 30th June 1906, the Spring Bridge at Whitewell collapsed. Two groups from Preston and Todmorden were enjoying a day out , when disaster struck. Two local newspapers reported the incident. Interestingly the emphasis is different :the Northern Daily Telegraph failed to mention the party from Preston. Blackburn photographer A.E. Shaw recorded the scene for posterity.
A DIP IN THE HODDER.
STARTLING COLLAPSE OF BRIDGE.
PICNIC PARTY DROPPED INTO THE RIVER.
The officials of the Todmorden Corporation, on the occasion of their annual outing to Whitewell on Saturday, had an exciting experience which might very easily have ended seriously. The party numbered 34, and having just been photographed three of them went to bathe in the River Hodder. The others collected on a footbridge about 35 yards long made of wood, supported by iron girders, and protected by railings. Without any warning the bridge suddenly broke in at least two places, and fell into the water. About a score of picnickers, including some from Nelson and Colne, were precipitated into the river, but happily it was not so deep where the majority fell, and they managed to scramble out.
Mr. James Heap, the Todmorden borough surveyor was not so fortunate, being thrown into a part of the river seven feet deep, and he had to swim to save his life. Had he not been able to swim he would probably have been drowned. Mr James Whitehead, educational clerk; Mr Fred Rogers, sanitary inspector; Mr G. W. Jackman, assistant surveyor; Mr Thomas Woodhead, attendance officer, and many others were submerged and more or less injured.
Mr Sam Cliffe, veterinary surgeon, suffered worst of all. He was standing at the end of the bridge, and when it collapsed his end jumped and threw him into the riverbed, a fall of twelve feet. Huge coping stones fell on top of him, and he was wedged fast by an iron girder. The wonder was he escaped alive. As speedily as possible he was extricated, and found to have sustained some nasty bruises and severely sprained himself. When seen last night Mr Cliffe was confined to his room,and complained much of his injuries.
From THE NORTHERN DAILY TELEGRAPH MONDAY 2ND JULY 1906
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