Baltimore bridge collapse: Governor details plan to remove bridge and help affected
Maryland’s governor has unveiled preliminary plans to address the aftermath of a cargo ship colliding with a major bridge in Baltimore, resulting in six fatalities.
In aid of this effort, the Biden administration has granted $60 million in emergency funds as requested by Maryland.
Governor Wes Moore delineated the strategies aimed at clearing debris, relocating the ship, salvaging bridge components, and reconstructing it.
“We recognize the extensive journey ahead,” he remarked.
Standing alongside legislators during a press briefing on Thursday, Mr. Moore elaborated on the procedures for each phase, anticipating numerous hurdles.
One significant challenge highlighted by the governor is the sheer size of the cargo vessel, named the Dali, which nearly rivals the height of the Eiffel Tower.
Drawing a comparison to the 2021 incident where it took five weeks to dislodge a cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal, Governor Moore emphasized the unique complexity of the Key Bridge situation, as it rests atop the vessel.
“We’re dealing with 3,000 to 4,000 tons of steel perched on that ship,” stated Mr. Moore.
He further described the murky waters of the rivers and the dense debris hindering visibility for divers, limiting their sight to only a few feet ahead.
“Most of their operation relies on tactile senses,” he noted. “These divers have shown remarkable methodical, disciplined, and courageous efforts, navigating through darkness surrounded by various objects.”
The state has put forth a comprehensive list of resources required to facilitate the cleanup operation.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is covering the cost of clearing the channel and has 32 staff members and 38 US Navy contractors on the ground, said Maryland’s Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.
He added that a 1,000-ton (907-tonne) crane – the largest on the US eastern seaboard – would arrive around 0:00 EST (04:00 GMT) on Friday to help remove debris. A 400-ton crane would then come on Saturday to further aid in clearing the debris.
In the meantime, those involved in the clean-up process must figure out how to cut debris from the bridge into pieces so the crane can lift them, said Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath of the US Coast Guard.
Authorities have also deployed 2,400 feet of water containment booms to protect against hazardous material from the boat, Mr Moore said.
The Dali was carrying thousands of cargo containers on board, including 56 that were holding hazardous materials, officials have said. That included items like lithium batteries and perfume, according to the governor.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, said 764 tonnes of mostly corrosive and flammable materials were identified on the boat.
Mr Moore said the state is also planning to provide economic support to workers whose jobs have been affected by the crash – around 8,000 people, according to the state government.
The recovery cost will not be cheap, according to analysts, but the state is eligible for more federal emergency relief funds in addition to the $60m it has already received, Mr Van Hollen said.
He said that money would help cover the “lion’s share of reconstructing the bridge”.
Mr Van Hollen said he would introduce legislation to cover the remainder of the recovery costs. President Joe Biden has previously said the federal government should foot the bill to rebuild the bridge.
During Thursday’s news conference, Mr Moore and others stressed the importance of fixing the structure as soon as possible.
Its long-term closure could pose a threat to global supply chains, experts have said.
“That’s our number one priority, is to reopen the port of Baltimore as fast as we can – and safely,” Mr Gilreath said.
