By Trend News Line 2024-04-01 00:32:00.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed when it was struck by a cargo ship carrying hazardous materials on March 26. The tragedy resulted in the death of two construction workers, with four more still missing and presumed dead. The search and recovery efforts were halted to focus on salvage and cleanup operations.
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Heavy equipment has arrived at the bridge collapse site to begin the massive cleanup effort. The U.S. Navy is supplying four heavy-lift cranes to help remove the 3,000 to 4,000 tons of debris from the bridge. Crews are working diligently to break the bridge into manageable pieces for removal.
Progress is being made in the cleanup efforts, with demolition crews cutting the collapsed bridge into smaller sections for removal. The Unified Command is also working to open a limited draft auxiliary channel to get the Port of Baltimore operational again. Salvage teams are using gas-powered cutters to separate steel sections of the bridge, with underwater assessments being conducted to inform further operations.
Maryland has received an initial $60 million in federal funding for the cleanup and recovery response. President Joe Biden has pledged to support the reconstruction of the bridge and provide additional aid as needed. The estimated cost of the response to the disaster is expected to exceed $1 billion, prompting discussions of an emergency aid package from Congress.
The FBI has warned against flying drones over the collapse site, as it interferes with recovery operations and poses a safety risk to workers. Ship and vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore has been suspended, impacting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in imports and exports.
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Carnival Cruise Line’s Legend ship docked in Norfolk, Virginia, after being unable to return to the Port of Baltimore due to the bridge collapse. Passengers were offered complimentary bus rides back to the port to retrieve their vehicles.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, revealing that the cargo ship had lost power and was headed towards the bridge before the collision. The vessel was carrying hazardous materials that leaked into the Patapsco River.
The reopening of the Port of Baltimore remains uncertain, as cleanup and recovery efforts continue. Construction workers, originally from Central American countries, were on the bridge when the cargo ship collided with it. The tragic event has left families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones..
1. Key Bridge collapse salvage efforts and impact update
2. Key Bridge collapse victims and ongoing recovery efforts.
