Baltimore Bridge collapse: Cause, How it happened, Deaths, Casualties, Location, Renovations,Effect And Updates And Everything To Know
On the morning of March 26th, 2024, witnessed a terrifying scene in Baltimore, Maryland. The iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a cargo ship, the Dali, lost power and also rammed into a critical support column.
What Exactly Happened?
- The incident occurred when the Dali cargo ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- Moments before the crash, the operators of the Dali issued a mayday call, indicating that the vessel had lost power.
- Despite the emergency call, the ship continued toward the bridge at a very rapid speed.
- The 985-foot-long (300-meter-long) vessel struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the span to break and collapse into the water within seconds.
- The ship caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.
- Synergy Marine Group, which manages the ship, stated that it had also been under the control of one or more local pilots who assist in navigating vessels safely into ports.
- Also At the time of impact, the ship was moving at approximately 8 knots (roughly 9 mph or 15 kph).
- An inspection conducted last June in a Chilean port identified a problem with the ship’s “propulsion and auxiliary machinery,” although specific details were not provided.
- The most recent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard in New York on September 13, 2023, did not identify any deficiencies.
- Experts noted that the 47-year-old bridge lacked pier protection to withstand such a collision.
Deaths and Casualties:
The incident resulted in a tragic loss of life. Six construction workers who were on the bridge for repairs are presumed dead. Rescue efforts managed to save two individuals from the water, with one sustaining serious injuries.
Missing Persons
- Two people were rescued, but six individuals remain unaccounted for.
- All of the missing individuals were part of a construction crew also repairing potholes on the bridge.
- Sonar detected cars in the water, which is approximately 50 feet (15 meters) deep.
- The water temperature was around 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) before dawn on Tuesday.
This tragic event has raised concerns about bridge safety and the need for further investigations. As updates emerge, authorities will continue their efforts to locate the missing crew members and assess the impact of the collapse on transportation and infrastructure.
