Collapsed Baltimore bridge blown up in controlled blast: Watch
Baltimore brideg exploded.
Parts of the collapsed Baltimore bridge broke into pieces after a controlled blast was carried out and made the way for the complete return of shipping via one of the busiest sea routes in the United States.
On March 26, a ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge which led to its collapse and killed six construction workers.
The demolition carried out on Monday (May 13) broke some chunks of the collapsed bridge. Over the weekend, the operation was delayed because of the bad weather.
A cargo ship, named Dali, had lost power and went off course after which it hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge and led to its collapse. Because of the collision, nearly 4,000 tonnes of debris fell into the Patapsco River.
How did the blast take place?
The officials had placed small explosive devices throughout the entire bridge and within a few seconds, all of them were detonated.
At points where the explosives were placed,cuts were made in the steel and they were covered with what appeared like heavy-duty tape.
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When the explosion took place, it sounded like fireworks and those in 2,000 yards had to wear hearing protection.
The US Army Corps of Engineers said that this was the "safest and swiftest" way to remove thousands of tonnes of wreckage which was lying over the massive ship.
The crew members were on the ship when the blast occurred.
"They're staying on board because they're part of the ship. They are necessary to keep the ship safe and operational," Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreathfrom the USCoast Guard said.
What is the next step?
According to the officials, the next step in the cleanup process is to carry out an assessment of some trusses on Dali’s bow and ensure none of the underwater wreckage is stopping the ship from being refloated.
The officials will need a couple of days to remove the ship and open the channel.
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"Once the wreckage falls into the channel, we will have the vessel refloated," said Colonel Estee Pinchasin, from the USArmy Corps of Engineers.
"Our salvors already have the equipment ready to retrieve the wreckage just as we have over the last seven weeks. They're going to have to either lift it with the grabber and remove it after cutting it down some more," he added.
(With inputs from agencies)