The collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore saw a portion of it destroyed in a controlled demolition on Monday, as efforts to free a ship that crashed into the bridge continue. The controlled demolition aimed to break the span laying on top of the ship into smaller pieces, while the ship’s crew of 21 people sheltered in a designated area inside. A part of the detonated structure fell into the channel, with a video showing a section of the span remaining on top of the ship. Officials are working towards permanently reopening the channel by the end of the month.
The collapse of the bridge on March 26 led to the tragic deaths of six construction workers who were filling potholes on it when the cargo ship struck a support beam. The body of the sixth victim was identified last week, marking a somber milestone in the aftermath of the accident. Approximately 15,000 workers’ jobs and 500 local businesses were impacted by the collapse of the bridge. The crew of the ship, known as the Dali, have remained onboard since the incident, cooperating with investigators from the FBI and National Transportation Safety Board. Most of the crew members are from India.
The Port of Baltimore may see its permanent channel restored next month as the Army Corps of Engineers continues their efforts to clear the wreckage and free the ship from the shipping channel. The critical removal stage following the collapse of the bridge has been ongoing for over a month, with crews working diligently to resolve the situation. The controlled demolition of a portion of the bridge on top of the ship marks a significant step in the process towards reopening the channel. The bridge collapse has had far-reaching impacts on both the local economy and the lives of those affected by the tragedy.
Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and to free the vessel from the shipping channel to allow for the normal flow of traffic to the Port of Baltimore. The controlled demolition of the bridge’s collapsed section was carried out with the crew’s safety in mind, as they remained sheltered inside the ship during the operation. The crews involved in the clearing efforts are making progress towards their goal of reopening the channel by the end of the month. Despite the challenges faced in the aftermath of the bridge collapse, there is hope that the situation will be resolved soon, allowing for normal operations to resume at the Port of Baltimore.
