The Quebec Bridge, spanning the Saint Lawrence River, was a notable engineering project intended to connect the City of Quebec with Levis in Canada. After the first complete collapse in 1907, where 75 workers lost their lives, significant changes were made to the design and construction processes. By 1916, the project had resumed, under the oversight of skilled engineers, particularly after discussions to improve safety measures. However, on September 11, during a critical phase of construction, the bridge's central span unexpectedly collapsed. Eleven men who were working on the site were killed instantly, which shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers associated with large-scale civil engineering projects of the time.

Investigations following the collapse revealed potential design flaws that contributed to the structural failure. The event forced a re-evaluation of safety standards in bridge construction across North America, and led to stricter regulatory measures. Additionally, the Quebec Bridge was eventually completed in 1919, with modifications for greater safety and reliability in its structure, which has since allowed it to remain a vital transportation link.

The tragedy of the collapse, particularly given its recurrence in a major public works project, became emblematic of not only the challenges faced by engineers but also the human cost of industrial progress. This event served as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous safety oversight and engineering ethics in construction.