Quote:
Originally Posted by widebody911
(Post 8421612)
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Hobart, 5 January, 1975, the mid-section of the Tasman Bridge plunged into the Derwent River when the bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra hit the pylons.
The Lake Illawarra hit the bridge at 9.30pm, when Frank and Silvia Manley were heading home across the Derwent.
Silvia says the lights went out and she was peering out ahead of them, wondering what was happening when she noticed the bridge was gone in front of them.
Frank slammed on the breaks and the car skidded to a halt, stopping half-on, half-off the crumpled bridge.
The Manley's green GTS V8 Monaro became one of the most famous cars as the photo of their car, hanging precariously on the edge, went around the world.
The force of the collision caused a 127 metre section of roadway to crash down into the river and onto the deck of the sinking vessel.
In total 12 people died in the disaster, seven on the Lake Illawarra and five motorists that drove over the edge.
The loss of the bridge also had a social impact, as 30 per cent of the Hobart population was isolated from the city centre and a number of essential services. The bridge officially re-opened in October 1977.
The Monaro, as well as the images capturing it suspended on the edge of the bridge, are reminders of a major Hobart event.
The Manley's have kept the green Monaro, which is now mostly left in the shed to keep it safe.
Interesting side note: the Monaro was only 2 months old. The owner had wanted a manual, but the dealer had an auto in stock, with a substantial wait time for a manual, so Frank Marley bought the automatic. The car got caught on the edge of the bridge by the automatic gearbox, if he had bought the manual, it would have gone over.
