Residents of Baltimore were deeply affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday. One longtime resident, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed her sorrow and disbelief upon seeing the footage of the bridge collapse. She described the incident as deeply personal, reminiscing about the construction of the bridge and how it felt like a piece of family history dissolving.
Recalling her initial fear when crossing the bridge in 1975, the resident shared how she eventually grew to appreciate its convenience in saving time on the road. The bridge served as a vital connection, likened to a main artery that facilitated travel to the other side of town, bypassing the need to navigate through the city.
Elder Rashad A. Singletary, a senior pastor at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, highlighted the significance of the bridge within the community. He mentioned that many church members had witnessed the construction of the bridge and emphasized its role as a crucial route for commuting to work. The collapse of the bridge was described as a life-changing moment for the community, with residents grappling with the sudden loss of a familiar and essential structure.