Baltimore Bridge Collapse!!

[Mancunian]

I am currently in the UK watching the morning news on TV. I am in shock and dismay after hearing the news about the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Maryland collapsing after being hit by a cargo ship. It is truly upsetting to watch the news footage of the bridge collapsing. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering of those directly affected by this disaster. Reports have indicated that there were people on the bridge at the time, and rescuers are searching for them. I wish the rescuers good luck in finding as many survivors as possible. My heart goes out to all those affected by these tragic events.

There have been announcements that an investigation will be carried out to determine what happened, which is appropriate. However, I believe that an investigation should also be conducted to determine why the bridge collapsed so easily. Watching the news footage, it appears as if the bridge collapsed as if it was made from matchsticks. Surely it should not have collapsed so quickly and easily.

I am deeply saddened by this news and send my sympathies to anyone affected by this tragedy.

Edited March 26 by Mancunian

[Bill W]

This is a tragic event, but thankfully authorities were able to stop vehicles from getting on the bridge before the collapse or it could have been much worse.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to get the workers that were making repairs on the bridge off in time, but if the bridge was  full of traffic at that time, the situation would have been much worse.  I've been watching the news most  of the morning, and it seems as if they are still looking for 6 people that were thrown in the water when the bridge collapsed.  They have saved 4 people, but there are 6 that are still missing.  Some might have been knocked unconscious or crushed during the collapse and may never be saved, so my thoughts and prayers go out to their families.  

[Kitt]

I quite agree, the fact that all sections of the bridge came down so quickly raises alarm bells in my head, especially since I travel that route every time I take older horses to retirement in Virginia.  My sensibilities tell me at least SOME of the bridge should have remained standing, even if unfit for travel.   I may just take the long way thru Pa and WV from now on! Much smaller bridge spans!

[Mancunian]

2 minutes ago, Kitt said:

I quite agree, the fact that all sections of the bridge came down so quickly raises alarm bells in my head, especially since I travel that route every time I take older horses to retirement in Virginia.  My sensibilities tell me at least SOME of the bridge should have remained standing, even if unfit for travel.   I may just take the long way thru Pa and WV from now on! Much smaller bridge spans!

The safer route may not be the shortest but it is always the best. 

[Kitt]

8 minutes ago, Mancunian said:

The safer route may not be the shortest but it is always the best. 

Until yesterday morning I would have considered the shorter route on major highways a safer route than back roads that may not be as well maintained, may be too narrow to safely drive a horse trailer, and I am unfamiliar with.  

[Mancunian]

7 minutes ago, Kitt said:

Until yesterday morning I would have considered the shorter route on major highways a safer route than back roads that may not be as well maintained, may be too narrow to safely drive a horse trailer, and I am unfamiliar with.  

Hopefully, when the bridge is rebuilt it will be the safer route for you, that would be better for you and the horses. 🤞

[Zombie]

A lot of people will become ‘experts’ in bridge design as more horrific details of this terrible tragedy emerge

Those interested in this (and understanding the risks to themselves and family using old bridges - still statistically very low), might wish to read the initial thoughts of some actual experts - structural engineers:

https://www.sciencemediacentre.org/expert-reaction-to-baltimore-bridge-collapse/#:~:text=Bridges are not designed to,container ship is significantly larger.