The planned controlled demolition of the largest remaining steel section of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has been delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions, officials announced on 12th May.
Crews have been diligently preparing for weeks to dismantle the sizable 500-foot-long section, weighing up to 600 tons, which had come to rest on a ship’s bow after a collision with one of the bridge’s support columns. Consequently, this incident has not only trapped the ship amidst the wreckage but also led to the closure of Baltimore’s bustling port to most maritime traffic.
As explained, this delay was prompted by adverse weather conditions, including lightning in the area and rising tides on Sunday, prompting officials to tentatively reschedule the demolition initially set for Monday evening.
Meanwhile, according to Reuters, body camera footage capturing the astonished reactions of first responders to the bridge collapse in March highlights the immediate impact and chaos that ensued, resulting in the tragic deaths of six individuals. This footage, obtained by local media on May 10th, offers insight into the disbelief experienced by Maryland Natural Resources Police officers as they arrived at the scene.
The collapse occurred on March 26, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge fell into the Patapsco River after a large container ship lost power and collided with one of its support columns, claiming the lives of six workers.
Subsequently, the FBI launched a criminal investigation into the incident, which not only halted traffic at the Port of Baltimore but also affected a significant trade center responsible for 28% of U.S. coal exports last year.
These interconnected details paint a vivid picture of the scale of the disaster and its multifaceted impact on both local infrastructure and law enforcement efforts, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the extensive response efforts involved.
