The Baltimore bridge disaster had a shocking impact. On March 26th, around 1:30 am, a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the central section to collapse into the Patapsco river below. This resulted in people and vehicles being submerged in the water, including workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge at the time. Underwater drones, sonar, and infrared tools revealed several vehicles submerged in the river. Baltimore’s mayor, Brandon Scott, described the scene as something out of an action movie.
Maryland’s governor declared a state of emergency, and divers were searching for six people. The disaster raised questions about its causes and consequences, with experts considering it one of the most significant in America for decades. The FBI ruled out terrorism as a cause.
The 300-meter-long ship, the Dali, was heading from the Port of Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it “lost propulsion,” according to an unclassified report. Eyewitnesses reported the ship’s lights flickering just before the impact, and locals heard a loud rumble in the middle of the night.
2024-03-26 16:08:24
Post from www.economist.com