Pat Preston
Pat is well known throughout Victoria’s construction industry as the Manager of the CFMEU’s OHS & Environmental Unit, and he is widely respected for his passion, untiring work and achievements in the cause of construction safety.
But back in 1970, he was a 29-year-old crane operator and Federated Engine Drivers’ &
Firemans’ Association (FEDFA) shop steward, one of many workers on what was then
Melbourne’s largest and most prestigious construction project.
At 11.50 am on 15 October 1970, the bridge’s 112 metre span 10-11 collapsed during construction, killing 35 workers, injuring many more and changing countless lives forever.
One of the survivors was Pat Preston, who was a couple of metres from the hoist cage when the collapse occurred.
You can view a pdf file of Pat Preston's West Gate experiences here.
Put has also kindly submitted an image gallery containing many photographs of the bridge construction.