2-888-034 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Remains of the Suspension-Bridge at Angers [in France], after the Late Accident, 1850. '...a squadron of Hussars...had crossed over the suspension-bridge of the Basse Maine without any accident, although the wind blew very heavily...and the river was much agitated...Reiterated warnings were given to the troops to break into sections...but the rain falling heavily at the time, the warning was disregarded...The suspending chains at first gave way on one side only, when the soldiers on the bridge, feeling the movement of the floor of the bridge, naturally rushed to the other side, when the chains there also gave way, and the whole floor of the bridge fell...a horrible crash was heard...The whole town rushed to the spot to give assistance. In spite of the storm which was raging, all the boats that could be got at were launched to pick up the soldiers in the river...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.