The Quebec Bridge was originally envisioned as a vital railway viaduct over the St. Lawrence River in Canada and was intended to facilitate transport between Quebec City and the surrounding regions. Construction began in the late 1890s under the supervision of the engineer Theodore Cooper. However, the project was plagued by numerous structural issues, including design flaws and inappropriate material usage. Initially scheduled for completion in 1905, delays led to the project being behind schedule and over budget.

On August 29, 1907, during construction, the bridge's central span collapsed, a catastrophic failure that led to the deaths of 75 workers. Eyewitness accounts described the horrific sight as the sections of the bridge buckled under the stress before plummeting into the river below. After the accident, investigations revealed that the design inadequacies and a lack of adherence to standards ultimately contributed to the premature collapse.

The Quebec Bridge disaster not only had immediate tragic ramifications but also significantly influenced engineering practices in Canada and beyond. The event led to a reevaluation of safety protocols and design standards in large-scale construction projects. Eventually, the bridge was rebuilt with improved designs and completed in 1917, standing as a testament to resilience and progress in engineering.