The aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore
BALTIMORE — The bustling port city of Baltimore is in a state of chaos as the largest crane on the eastern US seaboard arrives to assist in the massive clean-up effort following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Shipments in and out of the port have been halted, leaving one of the country’s busiest ports at a standstill as the wreckage looms ominously over a cargo ship that was involved in the tragic accident.
The search for the bodies of four workers trapped in the wreckage is on hold due to the treacherous conditions that await divers who dare to venture into the debris.
With $60 million in federal emergency funds allocated to recovery efforts, President Joe Biden has announced plans to visit Baltimore next week to witness the aftermath of the crash firsthand and address the federal response.
The port of Baltimore is a vital economic hub for the state of Maryland, serving as a crucial artery for the import and export of goods in both US and global trade.
The collapse occurred as eight construction workers were repairing potholes on the Key Bridge when a container ship crashed into one of its columns, causing a significant portion of the structure to plunge into the water below.
While two workers were rescued and two bodies were recovered, the fate of the remaining four workers remains uncertain.
Sonar scans have revealed that the vehicles that fell into the water are now buried under a mass of concrete and debris, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has acknowledged the immense difficulty of each phase of the recovery and salvage operation, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of the task at hand.
The Dali container vessel, nearly the size of the Eiffel Tower, remains afloat with its crew of 22 Indian nationals still onboard, adding another layer of complexity to the recovery efforts.
As divers struggle to navigate the murky waters of the Patapsco River, the US Army Corps of Engineers, along with US Navy contractors and over 1,100 engineering specialists, are mobilizing to support the operation.
The installation of the Chesapeake 1000 crane, capable of lifting 1,000 tons, is underway at the site, with plans to carefully dismantle the debris from the bridge in order to prevent any hazardous materials from spilling into the river.
Experts estimate that it could take months for the Port of Baltimore to reopen and years to fully rebuild the bridge, with the incident investigation expected to span over two years.
As the city of Baltimore grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, the community comes together to mourn the victims and support their families during this difficult time.
Despite the tragedy, stories of hope and resilience emerge, such as the miraculous survival of a construction worker who was unable to swim and the unwavering strength of families awaiting news of their missing loved ones.
The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but the spirit of Baltimore remains unbroken in the face of adversity. — BBC
