A major incident occurred in Baltimore, Maryland on 1 April 2024 when the Dali cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse. This tragic event resulted in the death of six individuals and the suspension of shipments in and out of one of the busiest ports in the United States.
Efforts are currently underway to remove debris from the water, with a 200-tonne piece of the bridge successfully extracted on Saturday. The clean-up operation involves cutting debris into smaller pieces for removal to a disposal site.
In response to the bridge collapse, officials have announced the opening of a temporary alternative route for ships in Baltimore. The route will be located near the collapsed bridge and will cater to “commercially essential vessels” as part of a phased approach to reopening the main channel.
The Port of Baltimore, a crucial economic hub for Maryland and a vital link for global trade, has been significantly impacted by the incident. It is estimated that it may take several weeks to reopen the port and years to rebuild the bridge. President Joe Biden has expressed his support for funding the reconstruction of the bridge and is scheduled to visit Baltimore soon.
The recovery and salvage operations have been challenging due to the vast amount of debris in the Patapsco River. Divers have faced difficulty navigating the dark waters and have been limited in visibility.
The incident also claimed the lives of construction workers on the Key Bridge, with four individuals still missing. Despite the challenges posed by the debris, efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals and vehicles. Sonar scanning is being utilized to search for any potential remains or vehicles trapped underwater.
The community remains deeply affected by the tragedy, with families of the victims sharing their stories and hoping for closure. As Baltimore works towards rebuilding and recovering from this devastating event, the city stands united in support of those affected and in honoring the memory of those lost.