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Photo by Geoffrey C. Wood.
For 50 years O'Sullivan's Bridge across the Buller River between Murehison and Newton Flat, faithfully withstood the rigours of heavy loads and flood. But on February 3, under the weight of 23½ tons of logging truck and timber, the centre span of 147 feet collapsed and, with roost of the truck and timber, was swept away by the rain swollen river. The cab of the truck, containing driver Monty Warner, of Murchison, caught on a rock after it had plunged 50 of the 60ft to the river. He had a miraculous escape from death. He suffered only a cracked rib. Until such time as a Bailey Bridge can be thrown across the river, travellers wishing to pass between Nelson and the West Coast must use the longer route Via Maruia Junction, adding 68 miles to Westport and 26 to Reefton or Greymouth, It is hoped to have a Bailey Bridge erected early this month,