Baltimore Bridge Demolition Clears Way for Trapped Cargo Ship to Be Removed

After weeks of being trapped under the remains of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, a cargo ship has finally seen hope as demolition experts successfully used explosives to clear a path for the vessel. The operation, carried out around 5:00 pm local time (2100 GMT), resulted in the collapse of parts of the bridge, allowing for the removal of the nearly 1,000-foot (300-meter) Dali container ship that had blocked access to one of America's largest ports for the past six weeks.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a crucial transit route, collapsed in a matter of seconds when the Singapore-flagged ship lost power and collided with a support column, tragically claiming the lives of six construction workers. President Joe Biden had previously committed to providing federal funds to aid in the reconstruction of the bridge, vowing to have a new channel for shipping traffic operational by the end of May.

Demolition Process and Safety Measures

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command, comprising state and federal agencies including the US Coast Guard, oversaw the demolition, establishing a 6,000-foot "noise radius" around the blast site to ensure the safety of personnel. The controlled explosion, which produced a plume of gray smoke, was executed with precision, with the resulting noise level likened to that of a standard fireworks show lasting only two to five seconds.

Following the successful demolition, four temporary channels have been opened to facilitate limited maritime traffic in and out of Baltimore. The port, a vital hub for the auto industry, had been severely impacted, with the arrival of the first "RoRo" ship since the bridge collapse signifying a step towards resuming normal operations. The port, according to state figures, handled a staggering 850,000 autos and light trucks last year, making it the leading port in the United States for such cargo.

Amid the rescue and recovery efforts, authorities have been relentless in their pursuit of justice and understanding of the incident. The FBI initiated a criminal probe targeting the container ship involved in the collision, with agents boarding the Dali as part of the ongoing investigation. Additionally, the National Transportation Safety Board has launched its own investigation into the disaster, underscoring the importance of a thorough review to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

As Baltimore continues to recover from this catastrophic event, the successful demolition marks a significant milestone in the restoration of maritime operations and the broader community affected by the bridge collapse.