8. Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington, USA
Built: 1938-1940
Collapsed: 1940
Est. Damages: $11 Million*
Construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge began in 1938, and by the time it was completed, Washington State was officially home to the 3rd longest suspension bridge in the world. This distinction did not last long, however, as a little over 4 months after its completion, the bridge collapsed into Puget Sound.
Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Washington, USA @EDICIONES NOWTILUS / Pinterest.com
The collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge was the result of heavy winds. Fortunately, there was only one person on the bridge at the time that the collapse began, Leonard Coatsworth, and he was able to crawl close to 500 yards to safety. Sadly, not due to lack of trying, Coatsworth was unable to rescue his dog from the bridge, and Tubby ended up as the disaster’s sole casualty.