Crews cautiously begin extracting initial section of mangled steel from Baltimore bridge collapse

On a chilly Saturday in Baltimore, Md., teams of engineers were hard at work on the daunting task of removing the twisted steel wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bridge crumpled into the Patapsco River earlier in the week after a massive cargo ship collided with one of its supports, causing widespread devastation.

Throughout the day, sparks flew as crews carefully measured and cut the steel from the broken bridge, preparing it to be lifted onto a barge for removal. The Coast Guard confirmed that the operation to remove a section of the toppled structure had begun, involving seven floating cranes, 10 tugboats, nine barges, eight salvage vessels, and five Coast Guard boats. Coast Guard Rear Adm.

Shannon Gilreath emphasized the importance of each movement in the removal process, as it will dictate how long it will take to clear the debris and reopen the ship channel and the blocked Port of Baltimore. Maryland Governor Wes Moore echoed this sentiment, calling the process "remarkably complicated." Despite the somber atmosphere, locals like Randy Lichtenberg gathered along the riverbank to witness the ongoing operation.

Lichtenberg expressed his awe at the scale of the destruction, reflecting on the shock of seeing a familiar landmark suddenly collapse into the water. As the crews continued their work, their primary objectives were to open a smaller auxiliary ship channel to allow for the movement of smaller vessels and stabilize the site for divers to search for the missing workers. Tragically, four workers are presumed dead, while two were rescued from the water and two others were recovered from a submerged pickup truck.

The crew of the cargo ship involved in the collision remained on board amidst the wreckage, cooperating with investigators to determine the cause of the accident. The vessel, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and chartered by Maersk, is being kept operational to assist with debris removal once the channel is clear.

Amidst the chaos, concerns about environmental pollution were alleviated by the EPA, which reported no active releases of hazardous materials into the water. However, the economic impact of the closed port and the severed highway link is a pressing issue for officials. The loss of the bridge, which carried Interstate 695, has disrupted the daily flow of 30,000 vehicles and halted ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore.

In response to the crisis, Maryland transportation officials are planning to rebuild the bridge, exploring innovative designs and materials to expedite the reconstruction process. President Joe Biden's administration has approved $60 million in immediate aid and pledged full federal support for the rebuilding efforts. Despite the challenges ahead, the resilience of the Baltimore community shines through as they come together to navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.

With a unified effort and unwavering determination, the city will rebuild and emerge stronger than before.