BALTIMORE — It has been a year since the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, claiming the lives of six construction workers. Maryland continues to honor their memory as the city, state, and port navigate the long path to recovery.
“Since that night, every step we’ve taken has been to honor the people we lost,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott during a memorial ceremony marking the anniversary.
While police successfully halted vehicle traffic moments before the collapse, they were unable to warn the overnight roadwork crew. The collapse occurred when a cargo ship lost power and struck one of the bridge’s main support pillars, sending workers into the dark waters below.
The Port’s Temporary Shutdown and Impressive Recovery
Following the collapse, the Port of Baltimore was forced to shut down for months as debris blocked its primary shipping channel. Thanks to coordinated efforts, the port rebounded impressively in the latter half of 2024. However, the recovery now faces new risks due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
Federal investigators recently criticized the Maryland Transportation Authority for not addressing the bridge’s vulnerability to ship collisions, despite clear trends of growing cargo ship sizes since the bridge’s completion in 1977. The incident has now become a case study for bridge owners nationwide.
Without the Key Bridge, drivers across the region have experienced heavy traffic on alternative routes, worsening daily commutes. Beyond its functionality, the Key Bridge was a recognizable part of Baltimore’s skyline and a symbol of the city’s working-class heritage.
The Night That Changed Everything
The tragic night unfolded in the early hours of March 26, 2024, when Governor Wes Moore received an alarming phone call: “Governor, I’m sorry to tell you, but the Key Bridge is gone.”
Still processing the news, Moore learned that a ship had struck the bridge, leading to the deaths of six workers who were patching potholes. Reflecting on that night, Moore described it as “chaos,” adding, “Marylanders were just hours away from waking up to one of the worst tragedies in our state’s history.”
Honoring the Fallen Workers
This week, families of the six victims gathered for a poignant wreath-laying ceremony near the collapse site. Aboard a Baltimore fireboat, relatives placed wreaths of yellow and white flowers into the water, each drifting gently away.
All six victims were Latino immigrants who had come to the U.S. for better opportunities and had become long-standing members of their communities.
“They were just doing their job — it’s heartbreaking,” said Detective Aaron Jackson, part of the dive team involved in the recovery efforts.
The Future: A Stronger, Safer Bridge
Maryland officials recently unveiled plans for a cable-stayed bridge — the first of its kind in the state — expected to be completed by 2028. The project is estimated to cost around $1.7 billion, fully funded by Congress.
The new design will incorporate advanced pier protection technology and be built taller to accommodate the increasing size of cargo vessels. Crews have already begun preparatory work, including soil testing, and are set to demolish the remaining parts of the old bridge this spring.
Baltimore Port’s Comeback Story
Despite the setback, the Port of Baltimore ended 2024 on a high note, moving 45.9 million tons of cargo, making it the second most productive year in its history. It maintained its position as the nation’s top port for handling farm and construction equipment and ranked second for cars and light trucks.
Daraius Irani, chief economist at Towson University, described the recovery as “nothing short of a miracle.” Still, he warned that new tariffs could disrupt the port’s momentum, especially considering that a quarter of its imports come from Mexico, Canada, and China.
Investigations Still Ongoing
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the root cause of the disaster. Its final report is expected by fall 2025. Early findings indicate the cargo ship Dali had electrical issues, including a loose cable, and had already experienced blackouts before leaving Baltimore for Sri Lanka.
The FBI has also launched a separate criminal investigation, but details remain limited.
In the meantime, the NTSB has urged owners of 68 bridges across 19 states to conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to prevent similar tragedies.