On Tuesday, a catastrophic incident occurred in the city of Baltimore, United States, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge partially collapsed after being struck by a large vessel. This tragic event has left a significant impact on the city’s transportation infrastructure and has raised concerns about the safety of bridges and maritime traffic.
The Incident
According to reports, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a large cargo vessel during the pre-dawn hours, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The impact triggered a massive fire on the ship, and several vehicles and at least seven people fell into the water.
Rescue Efforts
Immediate rescue efforts were initiated, with the Baltimore Fire Department and other emergency personnel responding to the scene. As of now, two people have been rescued from the river, with one reported to be in serious condition and the other not seriously injured. However, the ongoing rescue operations are being described as a “developing mass casualty event,” as at least five people are believed to have been struck underwater.
Impact on Transportation
The Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a crucial transportation link for the East Coast of the United States and acts as the gateway to the Port of Baltimore. Following the incident, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced the closure of all lanes on the Key Bridge and issued a “major traffic alert,” diverting traffic to alternative routes such as I-95 and I-895.
The collapse has also led to a halt in ship departures from the Port of Baltimore, with more than 40 ships, including small cargo ships, tugboats, and pleasure craft, reported to be stranded inside the port.
Time lapse footage of the #baltimorebridge accident. Notice how the ship at 11 seconds abruptly changed course to slam into the bridge.
— 𝑮𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒉 𝑴𝒂𝒂𝒏 (@iamgurpreetmaan) March 26, 2024
There was no other maritime traffic, or marking issues. Human error? Equipment failure? Intentional? #BaltimoreBridgeCollapse #baltimorebridge… pic.twitter.com/8z5Wum47Yx
Baltimore Bridge Details
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, completed in 1977 after five years of construction, is a four-lane steel bridge stretching 1.6 miles (2.6 km) and traversing the Patapsco River. It stands 185 feet (56 meters) tall, offering ample vertical clearance. The bridge was constructed at an approximate cost of $110 million and carries 11.3 million vehicles annually on the I-695 highway, also known as the Baltimore Beltway.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had a severe impact on the transportation infrastructure of Baltimore and the surrounding areas. As rescue efforts continue and investigations into the cause of the incident are underway, the city faces the daunting task of addressing the disruptions caused by this catastrophic event and ensuring the safety of its bridges and maritime traffic.
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