The West Gate Bridge, which spans the Yarra River in Melbourne, was under construction in the late 1960s, with the aim of improving transport links in the growing urban area. On the fateful day, workers were engaged in positioning a large span of the bridge when the structure unexpectedly gave way, causing a catastrophic collapse. The collapse resulted in the deaths of 35 men, most of whom were skilled tradesmen, and left many others injured. The incident shocked the local community and sparked outrage regarding safety protocols at construction sites. Emergency services responded quickly, although the scale of the tragedy hampered rescue efforts.

Investigations following the incident revealed serious shortcomings in engineering practices and oversight. The construction project had faced various challenges, including delays and budget overruns, raising questions about the pressure on the contractors to deliver quickly. The tragedy also highlighted the necessity for stricter safety regulations in the construction industry. In the aftermath, there were significant changes to occupational health and safety laws across Australia, aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The West Gate Bridge was eventually completed, but the lost lives remained a poignant reminder of the risks associated with construction work. The memorial honoring the victims stands as a testament to their legacy and marks a pivotal moment in Australian industrial safety history.