Larry DeSantis, a resident of the Baltimore area, had a close brush with death when a ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse. DeSantis was on his way to his second job at Herman’s Bakery when the incident occurred. He believes he was one of the last people to cross the bridge before the collision, narrowly avoiding disaster. DeSantis recalls focusing on the other vehicles on the bridge and not noticing the ship at all. Only a few cars went through the lane before the bridge collapsed, sending vehicles and people into the Patapsco River.
Six workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge were reported missing after the collapse, with two bodies recovered and the other four presumed dead. DeSantis feels lucky to have made it off the bridge in time, as a delay of just a few minutes could have changed the outcome. The port in Baltimore, the ninth largest in the US for international cargo, is now blocked by debris from the bridge collapse. Ships can still move through the port, but larger cargo items will have to wait until the debris is cleared.
Debris removal efforts have begun, with officials working to open a temporary alternate channel for essential marine traffic to reach the port. This will help support the flow of goods and keep commerce moving in the area. Capt. David O’Connell, federal on-scene coordinator for the response to the bridge collapse, emphasized the importance of opening the alternate route to maintain the functioning of the port. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which opened in 1977 and served thousands of Maryland residents daily, is a significant transportation artery that will need to be rebuilt.
DeSantis, who has lived in the Baltimore area his whole life, recalls seeing the bridge being built and feels a sense of loss now that it has collapsed. The impact of the bridge collapse extends beyond his personal experience, affecting the daily lives of many Marylanders who relied on the bridge for transportation. As he looks out at the river where the bridge once stood, he shares the disbelief felt by others in the community. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the importance of maintaining and updating critical transportation systems.
The aftermath of the bridge collapse has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in the region and the need for investment in maintaining safe transportation routes. The loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has disrupted the flow of goods and people in the area, highlighting the significant role that infrastructure plays in daily life. As cleanup efforts continue and plans are made to rebuild the bridge, residents like DeSantis are left reflecting on the close call they experienced and the importance of ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The impact of the bridge collapse will be felt for years to come as the community works to recover and rebuild.
