Geoffrey Wayne MartinPrint Page 
The plaque commemorates Geoffrey Wayne Martin who was killed in a fire involving a petrol tanker in August 1978 on the Birkenhead Bridge.
A severe automobile accident on the night of 22 August 1978 resulted in the only fatality in the bridge’s present history. Firefighters called to tackle a blaze on the northern approach were horrified to discover that its source was not a reported ‘petrol spill’, but rather a large fuel tanker truck that had rolled over and erupted into flames. Worse still, the truck crushed a car beneath it and trapped the driver, a male resident of Taperoo. Efforts to free the man were unsuccessful, and he died in the conflagration.
Location
| Address: | Nelson Street, Birkenhead Bridge, Port Adelaide, 5015 |
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| State: | SA |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -34.842243 Long: 138.501728 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
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| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Tragedy |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 22-August-1978 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 22-August-1978 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Friday 28th October, 2016 |
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In memory of Mr Geoffrey Wayne Martin
who tragically died in a horrific fire involving
a petrol tanker on the Birkenhead Bridge
on 22nd August 1978.
Much loved husband of Elaine, father of Ben
and Josh. Missed by all his family and friends.
Following this incident petrol tankers were
diverted away from the Birkenhead Bridge,
to improve safety for all.
The efforts of the Emergency Services personnel
during this tragedy are acknowledged.
Officially unveiled by the Hon Stephen Mullighan MP on 28 October 2016
