Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Lessons for Safer Infrastructure

Just over eight months after the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a cargo ship collision, a new BBC documentary sheds light on the harrowing event and its aftermath. On the fateful day, the colossal cargo ship Daly lost control due to a power outage. Witnesses recalled the moment as surreal, watching the bridge collapse in mere seconds, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives and leaving only one survivor. The documentary reveals exclusive details of the $100 million recovery operation, which faced hazardous conditions while locating the victims and clearing the shipping channel. Investigators determined that the ship experienced two prior blackouts leading up to the incident, raising questions regarding maintenance practices. Lawsuits have emerged alleging that negligence contributed to the bridge's partial collapse. As the city prepares to replace the fallen bridge, safety experts emphasize the critical need for enhanced protective measures on all remaining bridges. In America alone, it is estimated that about 1,500 bridges are currently at risk, prompting an urgent call for change to avert similar disasters in the future.