Miracle on the Mianus: How Local Heroes Saved Lives After Bridge Collapse

The Mianus River Bridge Collapse: A Night of Tragedy and Triumph Greenwich, Connecticut, June 1983. A section of the Mianus River Bridge on I-95 collapsed without warning, sending cars and trucks plummeting 70 feet into the river below. The event resulted in three fatalities, but also showcased remarkable acts of bravery and survival. Truck driver David Pace and his wife Helen found themselves caught in the chaos. "I looked up and saw the grace of God wrap his arms around my truck," Pace later recalled, describing how he managed to pull his wife to safety amidst the wreckage. Their escape was aided by Cos Cob residents William, Theresa, and Tom Ebrech, who, awakened by the crash, sprang into action, using a spotlight and a borrowed boat to rescue the Paces. Meanwhile, a volunteer EMT risked his life to pull a trapped girl from a fuel-soaked vehicle. The cause of the collapse was later determined to be a corroded pin and hanger assembly that was overlooked during routine inspections. While the tragedy claimed three lives, the story of the Mianus River Bridge collapse is also one of extraordinary community response, courage, and miraculous survival. The swift and selfless actions of ordinary citizens and first responders highlight the resilience of the human spirit in the face of disaster.