On March 26, a catastrophic event unfolded as a ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse. Larry DeSantis, who was driving to his second job at Herman’s Bakery, narrowly escaped the tragedy, believing he was one of the last to cross the bridge before the collision.
DeSantis recounted his drive, focusing on the workers on the bridge and unaware of the impending disaster. Only a lack of vehicles hinted at the impending danger. Moments after he crossed, the bridge was struck, sending vehicles and workers into the Patapsco River.
Tragically, six workers repairing potholes on the bridge went missing, with two bodies recovered and four presumed dead. DeSantis, reflecting on the close call, expressed gratitude for narrowly avoiding the disaster.
The collapse of the bridge, a vital route for 30,000 Marylanders daily, has disrupted the flow of international cargo through the ninth-largest port in the US. Debris removal efforts are underway to clear the port and restore marine traffic.
Officials are working on opening a temporary alternate channel to facilitate essential vessel traffic to the port. Captain David O’Connell emphasized the importance of supporting marine traffic into Baltimore during the recovery process.
As DeSantis gazes at the now-vacant space where the bridge once stood, he echoes the disbelief felt by many in Maryland at the loss of this iconic structure.
