Baltimore, Maryland – A plan to use small explosives to break apart a massive chunk of the collapsed Baltimore bridge is set to move forward on Sunday. The controlled demolition was initially scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to adverse weather conditions. The demolition is aimed at removing debris to free the 213-million-pound cargo ship that crashed into a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse and kill six construction workers.
The recovery of the sixth and final body last week has allowed officials to proceed with the plan to free the Dali cargo ship. If the operation is successful, the ship could be refloated and returned to the Port of Baltimore as soon as this week. The Key Bridge Response Unified Command stated that using small charges for precision cuts is the safest and quickest method to remove the bridge piece from on top of the ship.
According to the US Army and US Army Corps of Engineers, nearby communities will be notified with a cellular notification before the controlled demolition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the disaster and who is responsible. The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure plans to hold a hearing on the catastrophe, with testimony expected from officials from the National Transportation Safety Board, Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and the US Department of Transportation.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has disrupted the economy at the Port of Baltimore, posing challenges for the affected communities. The completion of the demolition and recovery efforts may provide some relief and allow for the reopening of the port’s operations. The use of small explosives for the controlled demolition marks a significant step towards freeing the cargo ship and restoring the key thoroughfare. The collaborative effort by state and federal authorities, including the US Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers, highlights the importance of coordination in such complex operations.