The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will impact the lives of Baltimore residents and their livelihoods, according to one local man.
In an exclusive interview with The Blast, Erik Matthews opens up about how he thinks the economy will take a turn for the worse following the devastating incident.
Baltimore Residents Speak Out About Collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge
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Matthews, who has lived in Baltimore for more than two decades, recalled learning about the collapse through the internet.
“I found out through Facebook when I woke up this morning and then heard the news,” he revealed. “So I live a few miles from the bridge but I worked in a building overlooking it for about 8 years.”
Matthews explained that he had just moved to Hampden, but he had previously lived in the Upper Fells and could see the bridge from where he worked. Opening up about the impact of the collapse, she told The Blast:
“This collapsing bridge will destroy our area. It is not only an important link for travel in and around our city, but it is also a large part of our beltway, and the collapse has severed a major travel link between the east and west of the city.”
He continued, “It’s really worrying when a major landmark is gone.”
‘I Expect Major Delivery Delays’, Matthews Projects
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Matthews stated that he rides the bridge every day and often travels by boat on cruises. However, the collapse of the bridge has taken away the excitement associated with the steel structure. He said:
“It’s nice to see it from the air when you come home, it’s like welcoming you.”
“As for everyday life, travel is going to be very difficult for the next five years I imagine.” Matthews predicted. “To get from one side of the harbor to the other used to be five minutes but will probably take the better part of an hour now.”
Matthews also expects that the collapse will affect supply and demand in the city. In his words:
“It’s good to show that the bridge is the only way of travel for trucks carrying hazardous materials across the city affecting shipping up and down the east coast (hazmat vehicles can’t go through the tunnel).”
He continued, “I expect big delivery delays for everyday things like Amazon etc, as well as changes to commutes. It’s basically a welcome door to our city.”
Matthews believes that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will lead to “not only loss of life, but it will have a huge impact on our economy.”
Baltimore Woman Shakes House After Bridge Collapses
Carrie Celozzi
In a separate interview, a woman named Carri Celozzi spoke to The Blast about her experience with the horrific incident at her home.
Celozzi, who lives in Dundalk – a neighborhood close to the bridge – can see the famous bridge every day from the comfort of his home. However, when he heard a loud bang, he didn’t expect it to be the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In his words:
“This morning at 1:30 in the morning, I woke up to a terrible 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.”
He added, “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,” noting that he only realized the severity situation a few hours later.
“7 this morning is when I started receiving calls, messages, etc., asking if I was OK and if I saw the news. It gives me chills now to realize that what I heard a few hours ago was a BRIDGE collapsing!!!” he declared.
Celozzi Often Drives Across Bridges
Carrie Celozzi
Celozzi spoke about the last time he used the famous landmark, saying it was just a few weeks ago. “It never crossed my mind that was the last time I drove on it,” he lamented.
Celozzi, who saw an outpouring of help from emergency services, confirmed the search for people was still ongoing.
“Helicopters have been circling my neighborhood all morning non-stop. I believe they are still conducting search and rescue efforts for the victims who are still missing,” he said.
Two Rescued, 1 In Critical Condition After The Incident
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
In a recent press conference update, James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, revealed that two people were rescued in the initial hours of the emergency response.
He added that unfortunately, one was in a “very serious condition,” while the other was unharmed.
Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland Secretary of Transportation also stated that several contractors were working on “concrete deck” repairs on the bridge at the time of the incident.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
