Crews have conducted a controlled demolition to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Monday's operation marked a major step in freeing the grounded Dali container ship, which has been stuck amid the wreckage since it lost power and crashed into one of the bridge's support columns shortly after leaving Baltimore on March 26. The demolished span came crashing down on the ship's bow and remained resting on its deck for the past six weeks.
The collapse killed six construction workers and halted most maritime traffic through Baltimore's busy port. The controlled demolition will allow the Dali to be refloated and restore traffic through the port as the cleanup enters its final stages.
Once the ship is removed, maritime traffic can begin returning to normal, which will provide relief for thousands of longshoremen, truckers and small business owners who have seen their jobs impacted by the closure.
Officials previously said the Dali's 21-member crew would shelter in place aboard the ship while the explosives were detonated.
The Dali crew members haven't been allowed to leave the grounded vessel since the disaster. Officials said they've been busy maintaining the ship and assisting investigators. Of the crew members, 20 are from India and one is Sri Lankan.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FBI are conducting investigations into the bridge collapse.
Officials said the safety board investigation will focus on the ship's electrical system.
Australian Associated Press
