The worst industrial accident in Australian history occurred when a span of Melbourne's West Gate Bridge collapsed on October 15, 1970, killing 35 of the workers building it. The bridge over the Yarra River was two years into its construction when structural failure occurred, caused by poor structural design and unusual construction methods. In addition to the 35 deaths, 18 others were injured when the 112 meter span weighing over 4 million pounds fell. In 1972, after a thorough investigation into the disaster was completed, construction resumed, and the bridge was finished and open in 1978. It is one of the most traveled bridges in the country. Melbourne-based musician Mark Seymour is best known as the frontman for the popular Australian band Hunters & Collectors, but has had a solo career since the band broke up in 1998. In 2007 he released his fifth solo album, Westgate. The album's title track tells the story of a construction worker on the day of the bridge collapse.
