Bridge Collapse : Dangerous Goods Containers Breached
Following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore recently, it has been widely reported that hazardous materials have been leaking into Baltimore harbor from containers that were aboard the vessel Dali.
The bridge immediately collapsed when the Dali collided with it, which was carrying 56 containers of hazardous material, and at least some of those containers were breached during the incident.
The dangerous goods, which totalled 764 tonnes, are understood to be corrosives, lithium ion batteries and flammable materials, which pose a threat to the surrounding water. Shortly after the incident, one senior hazmat investigator advised that a sheen of hazardous materials could be seen on the waterway.
A final report on the risk to local marine life is expected soon, which will also identify how many containers were breached.
As things stand, the Patapsco River is still blocked by the incident, which includes access to Baltimore Port, and vessels are diverting to other US east Coast ports, including New York, Norfolk and Savannah.
Evolution Forwarding specialise in the movement of dangerous goods internationally, by air, ocean and road. We provide complete solutions including packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.
