Münchenstein rail disaster

The Munchenstein rail disaster was among the worst ever to affect Switzerland. A crowded passenger train fell through a girder bridge on 14 June 1891, killing 71 people.

Bridge collapse

The subsequent enquiry focused on the state of the bridge, the quality of the ironwork and the design. The single-track bridge had been built in 1875 by Gustave Eiffel, and had been modified in 1881 after serious local floods on the river Birs. One of the abutments was destroyed, leaving the bridge resting on just three points rather than the normal four piers. As one corner sank under its own weight, serious cracks were produced. The affected members were replaced, and further strengthening occurred in 1890 after the introduction of heavier locomotives. The disaster claimed the lives of 71 and seriously injured 171 passengers.