Crews on Monday began demolishing a large section of Baltimore’s collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge.Officials began making precision cuts to the truss using small explosives, which would split the bridge debris into smaller sections, allowing for easier removal by cranes and barges.
The explosives flashed orange and let off a cloud of black smoke upon detonation, and the span crumpled into the water in seconds. The longest trusses toppled away from the grounded Dali container ship and slid off its bow.
What You Need To Know
- Crews are scheduled Monday to take a significant step toward removing a large section of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge from atop the ship that crashed into the span, causing it to collapse
- Officials began making precision cuts to the truss using small explosives
- The cuts will split the bridge debris into smaller sections, allowing for easier removal by cranes and barges
- Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the channel is “very close” to being fully cleared
The MV Dali lost power and slammed into the bridge March 26, killing six construction workers who were on the crossing and blocking access to the busy port.
The demolition was set for Monday after two earlier delays due to weather. Maryland Gov. We Moore explained in a news conference Monday that, with crews working on cranes 180 feet in the air, wind gusts “can have significant impacts on their ability to be able to smoothly and also safely make the type of cuts that are required.” Lightning also can be a concern, he added.
Once the debris is removed, the Dali will be refloated and guided back to port.
Since the collapse, more than 360 commercial vessels have moved through newly established alternate channels, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said. On Wednesday, limited access was opened to deep-water traffic near the bridge “on a not-to-interfere-with-salvage basis,” he added. That traffic will be halted during the demolition.
Moore said about 30 vessels and barges are expected to use the channel over the next week to access the port and private terminal.
The channel is “very close” to being fully cleared, the governor said.
“There were some who, when we were here weeks ago, looked at the complexity of this operation and said this is going to take months in order to clear this channel,” Moore said. “Well, here we are now, and I'm thankful for the fact that, because of the hard work, the diligence, the speed, the 24/7 operation that has taken place, we've been able to get it done in a matter of weeks.”
Moore stressed that the support of Congress is needed to rebuild the bridge. He said officials have spoken with nearly 100 lawmakers as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young.
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday to discuss concerns and challenges in rebuilding the bridge.
Chairman Sam Graves’ “committee will soon learn what all of us know — that rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge is not about nostalgia; it's about necessity,” Moore said. “This is a critical artery of commerce at the Port of Baltimore and all along the I-95 corridor. We need this bridge rebuilt, and we need to get it done with full congressional support.”
Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said he’s heard from many of his colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans, who have expressed support for rebuilding the bridge. Cardin said he believes the federal government should foot the entire bill, saying that’s been the precedent set following previous “catastrophic events.”
Also in attendance at the news conference was Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the former House speaker.
Pelosi grew up in Baltimore, and her father and brother both served as mayors there. Mayor Brandon Scott referred to her as “the extra member of the Maryland congressional delegation.”
Pelosi said she had just returned from New Orleans to review response tactics following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
“What we learned in Katrina is to listen to the locals, and that is why I'm here today,” she said.
Last week, salvage teams recovered the body of the sixth and final victim killed in the collapse, José Mynor López, 37.
Moore commended Maryland State Police, the Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and other partners for working together to find all the victims.
“Finding these six victims was not guaranteed,” Moore said. “When you're dealing with so much wreckage, even a small lapse in communication can cause failure. But this team held firm. They knew that bringing comfort and closure to these families was not an option. It was obligatory, and it was a core part of this mission.”
Speaking directly to the families of those killed, Moore added: “I promised that we would do everything in our power to bring your family members back. And I pray that the fulfillment of our word can bring you some peace.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
