Key Bridge collapse and demolition: A pathway to maritime recovery
A section of the bridge in Baltimore, United States, was intentionally demolished on Monday, paving the way for the possible complete restoration of one of the busiest maritime routes in the country.
8:09 AM EDT, May 14, 2024
On March 26, the Francis Scott Key Bridge suffered a collapse due to a collision with a ship, resulting in the death of six construction workers. A controlled explosion was carried out to restore full navigation. The bridge is a crucial artery for maritime traffic in the United States.
As reported by the BBC, the demolition operation was scheduled for the weekend but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
The bridge came down after the cargo ship Dali, which had lost power and veered off its intended course, struck it. The collision sent approximately 4,409 tons of debris into the Patapsco River.
Twenty-one crew members, mostly Indians, are still on board the Dali and engaged in maintenance work. They took refuge on the ship during the controlled explosion on Monday.
The port, a central hub for various goods and the country's leading car transport gateway, was shut down after the mishap. The United States Army Corps of Engineers has pledged to restore it to full operation by the end of May.
The bridge's legacy
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, also known as the Key Bridge, is a prominent landmark in Baltimore. Opened in 1977, this arch bridge was an important venture designed to improve connectivity between the regions east and west of Patapsco Bay.
Named after Francis Scott Key, a lawyer, and poet famous for penning "The Star-Spangled Banner," the United States national anthem, the bridge celebrates his ties to Baltimore, where he is laid to rest.
