Dresden, Ontario – A somber memorial was held in Dresden on Saturday to honor the victims of a tragic construction accident that occurred over six decades ago.
On April 26, 1957, a group of workers were constructing a bridge over the Sydenham River when a crane collapsed, causing a section of the bridge to collapse as well. Nine workers lost their lives in the accident, leaving behind grieving families and a devastated community.
To pay tribute to the lives lost, a memorial was erected in Dresden’s downtown park, featuring a plaque with the names of the victims and a sculpture of a crane. Every year, on the anniversary of the tragedy, a ceremony is held at the memorial to remember and honor those who perished.
This year, despite the ongoing pandemic, scores of people gathered at the memorial to pay their respects. The ceremony began with a moment of silence, followed by speeches from local officials and family members of the victims.
Mayor Darrin Canniff spoke about the importance of remembering the tragedy and the impact it had on the community. “This memorial serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these workers and their families. It also serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with construction work and the need for safety measures to be in place,” he said.
Family members of the victims shared their memories and stories of their loved ones, keeping their legacies alive. “We will never forget the sacrifices they made for their families and for this town. They will always be remembered as heroes,” said one family member.
The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths at the memorial and a moment of reflection for the victims and their families.
The tragic construction accident of 1957 may have occurred over 60 years ago, but its impact is still felt in the community of Dresden. The annual memorial serves as a reminder to never forget the lives lost and to continue to prioritize safety in the workplace.
