The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in an investigation, discovered that the cargo ship which led to the tragic Baltimore Bridge collapse was filled with hazardous materials and also had equipment issues.
It was revealed by NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy that the cargo ship had 56 containers of hazardous materials aboard. “We found 56 containers aboard containing hazardous materials, including corrosives, flammables, and lithium-ion batteries,” Homendy said.
During the collision, some of these corrosive-filled containers were breached and led to leaks into the Patapsco River. Also, during the inspection conducted a concerning flaw was found in the ship’s equipment.
There was a faulty monitor gauge in the vessel for fuel pressure which was looked into before setting sail.
“As far as the engine goes, we were not informed of any problems with the vessel,” said Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath, during a news conference.
In the Baltimore bridge collapse incident, two people died and their bodies were found submerged in a pickup truck near the middle span of the bridge.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and expressed his solidarity with them during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security assessment said, “Imagery from underwater drones shows ‘an abundance of twisted metal and debris’ from the collapsed bridge, making it unsafe for divers to enter the frigid water.”
Largest crane helps clear channel
Meanwhile, the US Navy’s three cranes reached Baltimore to take out the submerged portions of the bridge, and a fourth crane will reach next week.
The biggest crane of the US Navy, Chesapeake, has a 1,000-ton lift capacity, as per the Navy. While the Oyster Bay has a 150-ton lift capacity and the Ferrell has a 200-ton lift capacity, it said.
Watch: Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse: Biden administration approves $60 mn for rebuilding bridge
“Work will focus on disassembling and removing the bridge section by section. The disassembled pieces will be lifted onto barges, which will then be transported away,” said the Navy, in a statement.
“An additional 12 crane and support vessels including tugs, survey, dive and crew boats, are in the mobilisation process and will arrive in Baltimore in the coming days,” it added.
Freight almost the size of Eiffel Tower: governor
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, emphasising the monumental disaster, said that freight is nearly the size of the Eiffel Tower “with the Key Bridge resting on top of it,” and shipping containers “ripped in half as if they were papier-maché.”
(With inputs from agencies)
