200-tonne chunk of collapsed Baltimore bridge lifted out by workers

Officials announced on Sunday (Mar 31) that workers successfully extracted the first200-tonne segment of Baltimore's collapsed bridge, marking the beginning of efforts to clear the harbour after a ship accident.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge sustained damage when the Dali cargo vessel lost control and collided with it resulting in six deaths. The demolition crewusedblow torches to cut through the upper section of the structure.

"The first lift was made last night after the cutting of the top portion of one of the northern sections of the Key Bridge was completed," said US Coast Guard spokeswoman Kimberly Reaves in a statement.

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Maryland Governor Wes Moore commented on Sunday that "progress is starting to occur, despite the complexity of the situation," as salvage efforts continued. He noted that adverse weather conditions and submerged debris prevented divers from assisting. Moore told CNN that a large crane, the Chesapeake 1,000, capable of lifting 1,000 pounds, was deployed in the salvage operation.

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Video footage shared on Saturday (Mar 30) by the Unified Command, which includes the US Coast Guard, showed crews suspended in cages cutting through an upper section of the bridge, causing sparks to fly.

Governor Moore acknowledged that the recovery process would be lengthy but saidthat progress was underway.

"It's impacting the nation's economy. It's the largest port for new cars, heavy trucks, agricultural equipment. It's impacting people all over the country," he said.

Shipping in and out of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports in the United States, has been suspended due to the extensive wreckage blocking the waterway.

The ship moved towards the bridge because of power problems, and the pilot sent a Mayday call. This helped stop some road traffic before the collision at 1:30 am, which caused the bridge to collapse quickly.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on CBS's "Face the Nation" that there is no set time to clear the harbour and reopen the port.

"It takes a lot to make sure that it can be dismantled safely, to make sure that the vessel stays where it is supposed to be and doesn't swing out into the channel, but it has to be done," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)