Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse: One Year Later in Baltimore

Remembering the Victims

• 💔 Today marks one year since the deadly Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.
• 🕯️ Six construction workers lost their lives when the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge, breaking it apart.
• 🎗️ Two men on the bridge that day survived the tragic event.
• 🗣️ Maryland leaders and community members gathered to honor the lives lost, calling out the names of Alejandro, Carlos, Jose, Miguel, and Dorlian.

Grief and Accountability

• 😥 Family members are still grieving the unthinkable and suffering from the loss of their fathers, sons, cousins, and uncles.
• ⚖️ Attorneys for the families have stated their commitment to holding the Dali's owners and operators accountable for their role in the tragedy.

Governor's Reflections

• 🌊 A particularly difficult moment for the governor was speaking with the divers who described the limited visibility during the rescue operation.
• 🙏 Another unforgettable moment was meeting with and praying with the families, and the relief felt when the six individuals were found, offering closure.
• 🤝 The governor recently shared a dinner with the families and first responders, calling it a room full of heroes.

Rebuilding and Safety

• 🏗️ Construction on the new bridge is planned, with a price tag of $1.7 to $1.9 billion.
• 🛡️ The new design will incorporate modern safeguards, including protective barriers and dolphins, to enhance safety.
• ⬆️ The new Key Bridge, slated for completion in 2028, will be nearly 50 feet higher than the original, allowing taller vessels to port in Baltimore.
• ⚠️ Experts note that accommodating taller vessels comes with even greater challenges.

Broader Safety Assessments

• 🌉 Maryland and other states' governors are undertaking risk assessments at nearby bridges, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
• 💰 The state has invested $160 million into the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in the last year.