Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: Cargo ship collision causes disaster

On Tuesday morning, the Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed, resulting in at least seven people falling into the water. A rescue operation is currently underway. An expert explains how the disaster happened.

The catastrophe was caused by a large cargo ship colliding with one of the bridge spans. Julian Carter, a civil engineer and designer, told Sky News that bridges like the one in Baltimore are vulnerable to localized weaknesses. He claims that the collapse of a large part of the bridge was due to the fact that all its elements were closely interconnected.

Unlike other major bridges, which may have central pillars separating the main structure, this bridge was designed in such a way that all its elements are closely integrated. According to Carter, such a construction means that removing one part of the bridge would lead to the collapse of the entire connected system.

The expert also suggests that the "lightweight structure" of the bridge might have been tested for collision with a ship in the past. However, cargo ships are much larger nowadays. Carter predicts that many ports and bridge pillars will need to undergo risk assessment in light of similar situations.

The vessel, under the Singaporean flag according to the coast guard, sank. The Fire Department spokesperson in Baltimore reported that there were many vehicles on the bridge at the time of the disaster. However, it is too early to determine the number of people injured.

The Chief of the Baltimore Fire Department has stated that it has not yet been confirmed whether there was an active oil leak from the damaged ship.

Authorities report that they will have a "much clearer picture" of what happened after sunrise.

According to ABC News, citing a US intelligence report, the ship's crew notified the state of Maryland that they had lost control of the vessel and warned of a potential disaster.

Source: Sky News, PAP, Wiadomości WP