A controlled demolition was carried out on the largest remaining section of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced on Sunday that the container ship responsible for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in late March will be swiftly removed from the Patapsco River channel. Salvage crews are set to refloat the ship on Monday, ensuring that it is cleared from the waterway within a matter of days.
During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” with host Kristen Welker, Governor Moore, a Democrat in his first term, gave an update on the progress made in clearing the main shipping channel to Baltimore Harbor.
Moore recalled the initial morning when the bridge collapsed, and he reflected on the widespread belief that it would take several months to mend the channel. Expressing his pride, he emphasized that the efforts to reopen the federal channel were progressing on schedule. Furthermore, he confidently stated that the massive vessel, known as the Dali, would be successfully removed from the federal channel within a matter of days.
According to Moore, the priority is to ensure that the American people are fully compensated for this situation. He emphasized the importance of completing the task quickly, within the designated timeframe, and without exceeding the budget.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was detonated to assist in freeing a ship that was stuck in the port.
Salvage crews will refloat the Dali on Monday morning at high tide and begin transporting it to a berth at the Port of Baltimore, according to the Unified Command. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
On March 26, a devastating incident took place when the MV Dali, a neopanamax container ship flying the Singapore flag, experienced a power failure while passing through Baltimore Harbor. Despite a temporary recovery of power, the ship unfortunately lost power again, resulting in a collision with one of the piers supporting the main span of the Key Bridge.
According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the ship experienced problems with its electrical system before the accident. However, it is not yet clear if these earlier malfunctions contributed to the collision.
Bank introduces new initiative for depositors to support Baltimore bridge collapse recovery
The bank has recently launched an innovative program that allows its depositors to play a crucial role in the recovery efforts following the devastating Baltimore bridge collapse. This unique mechanism enables individuals to contribute directly to the reconstruction and rehabilitation processes, aiming to restore the city’s infrastructure swiftly and efficiently.
By implementing this initiative, the bank recognizes the importance of community participation in times of crisis. It provides an avenue for depositors to make a tangible difference and actively contribute to the recovery efforts. This program allows individuals to support the city and its residents by donating funds specifically allocated to bridge restoration projects.
The bank’s commitment to the community is evident through its dedication to facilitating the recovery process. By empowering depositors to contribute, the bank demonstrates its shared responsibility in rebuilding a stronger and more resilient Baltimore. This mechanism not only fosters a sense of unity and solidarity but also ensures that every effort is made to expedite the recovery process.
The introduction of this program reflects the bank’s profound understanding of the significance of collective action in times of adversity. By harnessing the resources and goodwill of depositors, the bank aims to make a substantial impact on the recovery efforts. Through this initiative, the bank encourages its depositors to actively participate in the restoration of the bridge, ultimately contributing to the overall revitalization of the city.
This innovative mechanism serves as a testament to the bank’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. By involving depositors in the recovery process, the bank not only supports the city’s infrastructure but also strengthens the bond between the financial institution and its customers. Together, they can work hand in hand to rebuild and rehabilitate the bridge, symbolizing a collective effort towards a brighter future for Baltimore.
The Key Bridge suffered a catastrophic failure as a result of the collision, leading to a significant portion of the bridge collapsing onto the Dali and into Baltimore Harbor. Tragically, the accident claimed the lives of six highway construction workers who were carrying out repairs on the bridge’s roadway.
The wreckage of the bridge in the channel and on the Dali led to the temporary closure of the main shipping channel into Baltimore Harbor. The debris trapped the Dali, causing further disruption.
Maryland officials have revealed that the reconstruction of the Baltimore Key Bridge could potentially cost around $1.9 billion.
A section of steel truss from the Francis Scott Key Bridge that was draped across the bow of the Dali was cut apart in a planned explosion on Monday, May 13, 2024. The Baltimore Sun captured this momentous event through the lens of Jerry Jackson.
After the incident took place, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers took immediate action to open temporary channels that were shallower in order to restore partial access to the port. This port is a crucial hub on the eastern seaboard for various cargoes such as vehicles and coal exports, which are transported using the roll-on, roll-off method.
Several temporary channels were created in the Patapsco River after the bridge collapse. The deepest channel, measuring 35 feet, allowed ships and barges to resume their traffic. As a result, multiple vessels that had been trapped in the Port of Baltimore were able to depart. However, the deepest channel had to be closed temporarily to facilitate the removal of bridge wreckage.
The recent collapse of the Baltimore bridge is causing a temporary risk to the local and state economies, according to Moody’s.
Crews successfully utilized explosives in a controlled demolition last week to remove the main section of the span from the container ship. This action was a crucial step in the ongoing process of clearing the wreckage and reopening the harbor. Officials confirmed that the detonation went according to plan and marked a significant milestone in their efforts to relocate the Dali from the channel.
The team in charge of the response and recovery efforts is actively working on a plan to refloat and relocate the Dali. They have initiated preliminary measures to refloat the Dali on Sunday, in preparation for the high tide at 5:24 a.m. on Monday. Once the high tide hits, the Dali will be assisted by tugboats as it begins its transit to a berth at the Port of Baltimore, which is approximately two and a half miles away.
Unified Command stated that the refloat and transit sequence has been carefully planned to guarantee that all response personnel maintain control of the M/V Dali throughout the process, including refloating, transit, and berthing at a local marine terminal.
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