Date: May 22, 2024
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, suffered a near-total collapse after a cargo ship collided with it. The incident occurred on March 28, 2024, and had significant consequences for the region.
Recovery Operations
Cranes have been working tirelessly to remove the twisted metal and concrete remains of the fallen bridge and the cargo ship. The massive crane, capable of lifting up to 1,000 tons, is one of several used to clear the channel. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Baltimore District and the Navy have mobilized major resources from around the country to expedite the recovery process. The U.S. Navy supplied four heavy lift cranes, along with tugs, barges, salvage vessels, and Coast Guard boats. President Joe Biden approved $60 million in immediate aid for rebuilding the bridge. The federal government will cover the full cost of reconstruction.
Casualties
Four construction workers remain unaccounted for. Coast Guard officials presume all four are dead following the collapse. The bodies of two workers were recovered from a submerged red pickup truck. The search for the missing workers shifted from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation 18 hours after their disappearance.
Impact on Port of Baltimore
The collapse disrupted vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore. Commercial vessel traffic was significantly affected. A temporary channel has been opened for boats, allowing limited access to the port.
Ongoing Investigation
Preliminary investigations indicate that the collapse was not intentional. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause. The iconic Baltimore Beltway/I-695 remains closed from Glen Burnie to Dundalk due to the bridge collapse.
Crew Members of the Dali Cargo Ship
The Dali cargo ship involved in the collision had a crew of 21 members and two pilots onboard. The crew consisted of 20 Indians and a Sri Lankan national. These individuals have been enduring a challenging situation, trapped onboard the ship for weeks due to various factors, including visa restrictions and ongoing investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FBI.
The crew’s plight is a poignant reminder of the human impact of such disasters. They remain cut off from their families and homes, thousands of miles away, as authorities work to address the aftermath of the bridge collapse. Despite the controlled demolition of part of the bridge, it remains uncertain when they will be able to return home. Their mobile phones were confiscated during the investigation, leaving them isolated without communication with the outside world.