When the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning, one woman experienced the horror from her home.
In an exclusive interview with The Blast, Baltimore resident Carri Celozzi recalled being shocked by the aftershocks of the bridge collapse and how it had affected her neighborhood.
Article continues below advertisement
Baltimore Residents Think Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Was An Earthquake
Wikipedia
Celozzi can always see the famous Baltimore Bridge from the comfort of his home, as he lives in Dundalk, a neighborhood close to the bridge.
However, when the incident happened, he did not expect that his beloved bridge would collapse. Reflecting on what he experienced earlier today, the Baltimore resident said:
“This morning at 1:30am, I woke up to a horrible sound, and my house was shaking. I thought it was an earthquake or something that crashed nearby like a plane since I’m not far from BWI Airport.”
“I lay in bed for a few minutes, trying to understand what happened. I looked outside, and everything looked normal, so I thought it was a dream, and I went back to bed,” explained Celozzi, noting that he realized the severity . from the situation a few hours later.
Article continues below advertisement
“7 this morning is when I started getting calls, messages, etc, asking if I was ok and if I saw the news. It gives me shivers now realizing that what I heard a few hours ago was a BRIDGE which collapsed!!!!” he exclaimed.
Article continues below advertisement
Celozzi Driving Over The Bridge A Few Weeks Ago
Carrie Celozzi
According to Celozzi, he regularly uses the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and the last time he crossed the now-destroyed area was a few weeks ago. “It never crossed my mind that was the last time I drove on it,” he lamented.
Since the incident, his Baltimore neighborhood has been witness to the emergency response that took place to find the remaining victims. Celozzi confirmed the search was still ongoing, saying:
“Helicopters have been circling my neighborhood all morning non-stop. I believe they are still conducting search and rescue efforts for those still missing.”
She also described the loss of the bridge as “sad”, sharing that she and her boyfriend could easily access the city through the area. Now that it’s gone, he must take a different path.
Article continues below advertisement
“I actually have to go to that part of town next week, so now I have to use the 895 tunnel. It’s going to be really weird not seeing the Key bridge,” Celozzi said, adding:
“Everyone is detouring to the main roads near me. The area is quite congested right now.”
Article continues below advertisement
Two People Were Saved
Wikipedia
As previously reported, the total damage caused by the bridge collapse is still unknown as massive emergency operations are underway. However, James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, revealed that two people were rescued.
These individuals were rescued in the early hours of the emergency response; unfortunately, one is in “very serious condition,” while the other is unharmed. It is not clear if the two rescued are part of the seven people believed to be in the water.
According to Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, several contractors were doing “concrete deck” repairs on the bridge when it collapsed. However, it is not clear how many workers were on the bridge when it collapsed.
Seven are believed to be in the water, and the two rescued may be part of an unknown crew. On the other hand, that number has nothing to do with the crew on board the ship responsible for the collapse of the bridge.
Article continues below advertisement
The incident appears to be an accident
Carrie Celozzi
According to the Maryland Secretary of Transportation, the cargo ship that caused this incident is not currently suspected of wrongdoing.
Wiedefeld confirmed at a press conference that authorities had found no evidence to show the incident was intentional or an act of terrorism, saying:
“We don’t see anything related to that. It’s an open investigation, but nothing points in that direction.”
As for the crew, the Baltimore City Fire Department Chief stated that the ship’s personnel remained on the boat, but they could not be rescued until the cargo ship was assessed for damage.
Bridge Collapse Declared a ‘Mass Casualty’ Event
The 1.6 mile long Baltimore Bridge,
this is when it collapsed after a cargo ship hit it early this morningpic.twitter.com/eA6womQlcI
— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) March 26, 2024
Director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, Kevin Cartwright, confirmed the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse occurred around 1:30 a.m. He addressed the situation in a statement, saying:
“This is currently a mass casualty incident, and we are looking for seven people who are in the river.”
“This is a dire emergency,” Cartwright declared in another statement, adding, “Our focus right now is trying to save and recover these people.”
Ship tracking data from LSEG shows that a Singapore-flagged container ship called Dali is responsible for this incident.
Their manager, Synergy Marine Group, confirmed the ship triggered the collapse after hitting one of the bridge piers.
Celozzi gave us an update as he drove to work this morning saying, “It’s still submerged..the bridge I see/drive everyday is under water. Can’t really drive to work today and not see the Main Bridge. It looks very beautiful with sunrise and sunset…”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
