The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland has once again highlighted the dangers posed by vessel hits on bridges. The Key Bridge, which spanned the Patapsco River near Baltimore, fell victim to a collision with a large container ship, resulting in six missing individuals presumed dead and significant economic repercussions.
This tragic incident is not an isolated case. Past examples of bridge collapses caused by vessel hits serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Interstate 40 bridge, and the Big Bayou Canot are among the notable instances.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida witnessed a partial collapse over four decades ago when a massive ship collided with part of the bridge during a severe storm, claiming the lives of nearly three dozen individuals, ranging from infants to the elderly.
In 2002, the collapse of the Interstate 40 bridge near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, resulted from a towboat veering off course and ramming into the structure. This tragic event led to 14 fatalities and the involvement of numerous local, state, and federal agencies in the response efforts.
The Big Bayou Canot bridge incident in 1993 saw the deaths of 47 individuals aboard an Amtrak train that derailed due to a collision with barges being transported by a towboat. Factors such as fog and misalignment of the railroad bridge contributed to this devastating accident, making it one of Amtrak's deadliest rail disasters.
These incidents underscore the critical need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance to prevent future tragedies resulting from vessel hits on bridges. Authorities and stakeholders must prioritize infrastructure resilience and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard lives and infrastructure from such catastrophic events.
