March 31st 2024.
The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has brought to mind some of the most catastrophic bridge disasters in history. The collapse, which occurred during construction, resulted in the disappearance of six workers and the tragic deaths of two who were later found in the frigid water. If the crash had happened during rush hour, when countless cars were crossing the bridge, the death toll could have been even higher.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. From 1960 to 2015, there have been 35 major bridge collapses worldwide caused by ship or barge collisions. In the 21st century alone, hundreds of people have lost their lives in bridge disasters all over the world. These disasters range from terrible accidents to those caused by neglect.
One of the most devastating bridge collapses in history took place on May 9, 1980 in Florida. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which spanned over Tampa Bay, was struck by a freighter after a sudden gust of wind. Over 1,200 feet of the steel span collapsed into the water, causing multiple deaths. Due to the rain and wet roads, many drivers were unable to stop in time and tragically fell into the water. One survivor, Wesley MacIntire, was able to escape his vehicle and be rescued by the freighter that had hit the bridge. He later sued the company and was awarded $175,000, which is equivalent to $513,000 today.
The investigation into the Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster revealed that the freighter was attempting to maneuver through a narrow channel when the strong winds and rain hit at 70mph, making it impossible to see and rendering the vessel's radar useless. Although the captain tried to reverse, the wind and momentum caused the ship to crash into the bridge's support beams. Pictures from the scene showed how close some cars were to the edge of the bridge, where drivers miraculously managed to stop in time.
Another tragic bridge disaster occurred during the construction of the Cần Thơ Bridge in Vietnam in 2007. A 295-foot ramp collapsed onto a small island below, killing 54 people and injuring 80. The collapse was deemed the most catastrophic disaster in Vietnam's construction history. A thorough investigation discovered that the temporary pillars supporting the ramp were built on unstable, soft sand, causing them to tilt and ultimately lead to the collapse. The Vietnamese government banned two Japanese construction firms from operating in the country for one year, holding them responsible for the failure to secure the support.
The Ponte Morandi disaster in Genoa, Italy, is another recent and tragic example of a bridge collapsing. On August 14, 2018, during a heavy rainstorm, a 690-foot section of the viaduct motorway collapsed, killing 43 people and injuring 16. The collapse caused cars to fall into the Polcevera river and land on railway tracks and warehouses. The tragedy raised concerns about the safety of bridges across Europe, as it was the 11th bridge collapse in Italy since 2013.
An initial theory suggested that a structural weakness or a landslide was to blame for the collapse of the Ponte Morandi bridge. However, further investigations revealed that the southern section of the bridge had collapsed due to corrosion and damage. This disaster, like many others, emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring and maintaining bridge structures to prevent future tragedies.
It is heartbreaking to think about the lives lost in these bridge disasters and the impact they have on families and communities. Let us remember these events and use them as a reminder to prioritize the safety and maintenance of our bridges.
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