In a deliberate move, part of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore has been demolished, paving the path for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the US.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, struck by a cargo ship on 26th March, led to its collapse and the tragic loss of six construction workers. Monday’s demolition aimed to clear the debris obstructing the shipping channel.
Despite a delay due to adverse weather conditions over the weekend, the operation successfully broke apart chunks of the collapsed bridge. The controlled explosion, heard shortly after 17:00 Eastern time, allowed precision cuts to facilitate the removal of debris and free the cargo ship, the Dali, which had been stranded since the accident.
The collision with the Dali resulted in around 4,000 tonnes of debris being scattered into the Patapsco River. The vessel, manned by 21 crew members, mainly of Indian nationality, remained at the scene throughout the ordeal, covered in scrap metal from the bridge. Crew members sheltered aboard the ship during Monday’s controlled explosion.
Officials confirmed that the demolition proceeded as planned, following the recovery of the last victim’s body last week. The US Army Corps of Engineers aims to restore full capacity to the Port of Baltimore by the end of May, as it handles a myriad of goods and stands as the country’s busiest port for car shipments.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the impact of the channel closure on supply chains, emphasizing the urgency of restoring operations. However, authorities estimate the rebuilding of the bridge will cost up to $1.9 billion and take over four years to complete.
Investigations into the collapse, conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Transportation Safety Board, are ongoing. Meanwhile, the city of Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against the ship’s owners, Grace Ocean Private Limited, and its manager, Synergy Marine Private Limited, alleging gross negligence and recklessness.
The demolition marks a significant step towards maritime normalization in Baltimore, underscoring the collaborative efforts to mitigate disruptions and ensure the safety and efficiency of sea routes.
Source:BBC
