On April 27, 1978, a scaffolding collapse at Willow Island in Pleasants County, became one of the state's worst non-mining industrial disasters. 51 workers fell 168 feet to their deaths when the scaffolding collapsed while they were working on a cooling tower at the Monongahela Power Company. None survived.

The victims included both local workers and supervisors from out of state. The disaster drew national attention, as many families lost multiple members, including one family that lost four brothers, a brother-in-law, and three nephews.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined three construction companies for negligence, but a federal grand jury did not return any criminal charges.