The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship, has taken a significant step towards reopening one of the busiest sea routes in the US. Part of the collapsed bridge was deliberately destroyed on Monday, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through the area.
The demolition operation, which had been delayed due to bad weather over the weekend, successfully broke apart chunks of the collapsed bridge. The bridge collapsed on 26 March when a cargo ship, the Dali, lost power and veered off course, causing the tragic death of six construction workers.
The 948ft (289m) ship has remained at the scene since the accident, covered in scrap metal from the bridge. Despite the controlled explosion on Monday, the 21 crew members, mostly Indian nationals, remained on board the Dali, sheltering aboard the ship during the operation.
Authorities confirmed that the demolition went according to plan, following the recovery of the sixth and final victim of the incident last week. The controlled detonation aimed to make precision cuts to free the Dali, which will eventually return to the Port of Baltimore.
The port, which is the busiest in the country for car shipments, had been closed after the collapse, but some shipping has resumed through temporary channels. The US Army Corps of Engineers aims to restore full capacity by the end of May.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the impact of the channel closure on supply chains, estimating that it will cost up to $1.9bn (£1.5bn) and take more than four years to rebuild the bridge. Investigations into the collapse are ongoing, with the city of Baltimore suing the ship’s owners for negligence and recklessness.
The deliberate destruction of part of the collapsed bridge marks a significant milestone in the efforts to reopen the vital sea route, ensuring the smooth flow of shipping through one of the busiest ports in the US.
