Timeline of Events Leading Up to Ship Crash Revealed by Investigators in Baltimore Bridge Collapse Update
In a shocking turn of events, federal investigators have provided new details about the timeline leading up to the crash of a cargo ship into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The investigation has unveiled the pilot’s urgent call for assistance and the authorities’ efforts to clear people off the bridge before the collision occurred.
The distress call from the cargo ship’s pilot came just under three minutes before the crash, as he urgently requested tugboats in the area to respond to the vessel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently analyzing the voyage-data recorder in an attempt to recreate a detailed timeline of the incident.
Within a minute of the distress call, police officers were ordered to stop traffic on both ends of the bridge, a crucial action that many officials credit with saving lives. The NTSB investigators witnessed the devastation of the mangled bridge during their first day at the scene. Parts of the bridge are still draped over the ship’s bow, highlighting the magnitude of the impact.
Tragically, six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time are presumed dead, with two of their bodies found trapped in a submerged truck. Search efforts for the remaining four workers have been paused until salvage crews can clear heavy underwater debris that is believed to be encasing their remains.
Using the ship’s voyage data recorder, NTSB crews were able to piece together a rough timeline of events leading up to the collision. However, it will take several months for them to gather all the necessary evidence, including physical evidence, maintenance records, ship data, and witness interviews, in order to deliver a comprehensive report.
The investigation has revealed that there were no reported issues with the ship prior to its arrival in Baltimore. Routine engine maintenance was scheduled while it was in port, according to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath. The ship had 21 crew members and two pilots on board, all of whom are safe.
The NTSB and debris salvage crews are facing challenging and dangerous conditions as they continue their investigation. Cold and rainy weather, slick surfaces, and unstable wreckage pose significant risks during the recovery efforts. The ship’s cargo also includes hazardous materials, adding another layer of complexity to the operation.
The collapse of the bridge and the subsequent closure of the port will have major repercussions on Baltimore’s economy and the national supply chain. The Baltimore port is the largest in the US for autos and light trucks, handling a record 850,000 vehicles last year.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized that the investigation and repair efforts will take a significant amount of time. He assured the public that every resource would be utilized to bring closure and peace to the families affected by this tragedy.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed his shock at the force with which the cargo ship collided with the Key Bridge. The impact was described as unimaginable, with approximately 200 million pounds of weight hitting the bridge all at once. Buttigieg highlighted the need to update bridges around the country to ensure their resilience against such incidents.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that a vessel has collided with the Key Bridge. Four decades ago, another container ship lost power and hit the same bridge, but it remained intact. This incident underscores the dangers posed by the massive increase in shipping vessel size over the years.
Experts are now calling for a reevaluation of America’s aging infrastructure to determine if it can withstand impacts from these gigantic ships. The incident serves as a wake-up call for engineers to address the challenges posed by modern shipping vessels.
As investigators continue their urgent work, the city of Baltimore grapples with the aftermath of this devastating bridge collapse. The focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sources:
– ABC News
– CNN
