City Hall Collapse
On election night in 1898, a major disaster happened at the old City Hall on the west side of Richmond St, between Dundas & King. January 3rd, 1898 A large crowd assembled on the second floor to cheer on London's new mayor-elect, Dr. John Wilson. By 9pm that evening the room was at capacity. Around 10pm a loud crack was heard as a wood support beam under the room snapped. A portion of the floor collapsed, taking with it a couple of hundred people - along with a 500 lb safe. At least 23 people were killed and 150 people were seriously injured. Many prominent Londoners were among the people killed. Various reasons were given for the collapse including blaming the crowd & poor building construction techniques. photo source - Western Archives The Leonard Family Fonds Box X1920 info source - http://dotydocs.theatreinlondon.ca/ & other sources
Looking down through the collapse
View of aftermath of floor collapse, at City Hall on the west side of Richmond St, south of Dundas St. photo source - Western Archives The Leonard Family Fonds Box X1920 info source - http://dotydocs.theatreinlondon.ca/ & other sources
Crowds gathering
People gathered on Richmond St, outside City Hall, after a floor collapse inside on election night in 1898. City Hall at this time was located on the west side of Richmond St, south of Dundas St.
