The original Tay Rail Bridge was constructed in the 19th century to a design by the railway engineer Sir Thomas Bouch. After its opening on June 1, 1878 by Queen Victoria, it collapsed on December 28, 1879 while a train was running on it. 75 lives were lost, including Sir Thomas' son-in-law.
The Victorian poet William Topaz McGonagall commemorated this event in his poem "The Tay Bridge Disaster".
Another railway bridge now spans the Firth of Tay. It is 3.5 km long and was opened in 1887.
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