Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: Salvage Efforts Underway
Officials announced on Sunday (Mar 31) that workers successfully extracted the first 200-tonne segment of Baltimore’s collapsed bridge, marking the beginning of efforts to clear the harbour after a ship accident.
Bridge Collapse Details
- Workers used blow torches to cut through the top section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
- The bridge collapsed when the Dali cargo ship lost power and hit it, resulting in six deaths.
- The demolition crew used blow torches to cut through the upper section of the structure.
Salvage Operation Progress
“The first lift was made last night after the cutting of the top portion of one of the northern sections of the Key Bridge was completed,” said US Coast Guard spokeswoman Kimberly Reaves in a statement.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore commented on Sunday that “progress is starting to occur, despite the complexity of the situation,” as salvage efforts continued.
Recovery and Impact
Governor Moore acknowledged that the recovery process would be lengthy but said that progress was underway.
Shipping in and out of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the United States, has been suspended due to the extensive wreckage blocking the waterway.
Future Plans
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned that there is no set time to clear the harbour and reopen the port, emphasizing the importance of safety in the dismantling process.
