Larry DeSantis had a close brush with death on March 26 when he narrowly avoided being on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when it collapsed after a ship collision. DeSantis, who was driving to his second job at the time, believes he was one of the last people to cross the bridge before the tragic incident. He recalls not seeing the ship, but noticing something was wrong due to the lack of vehicles on the bridge at that early hour. The collapse sent vehicles and workers into the frigid Patapsco River, with six workers reported missing and two bodies recovered.
DeSantis was fortunate to get off the bridge before the collapse, and it was only a matter of minutes before his other workplace called to check on him and inform him of the disaster. He was shocked to hear about what had happened, especially when a coworker mentioned seeing his truck and assuming he may have been on the bridge at the time. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had a significant impact on the area, as it was a vital route for 30,000 Marylanders daily and facilitated international cargo movement through the port. Debris removal efforts have begun, but larger cargo items will have to wait until the debris is cleared.
As officials work to clear the debris and open a temporary alternate channel to support marine traffic into the Port of Baltimore, the community is coming to terms with the loss of the iconic bridge. DeSantis, who has lived in the Baltimore area his whole life, reflects on the bridge’s significance and the impact its absence has had on the community. The port, which is the ninth largest in the US for international cargo, continues to operate, but the loss of the bridge has disrupted the flow of traffic in the area. DeSantis considers himself lucky to have escaped the disaster and is grateful for the support he has received from coworkers and loved ones in the aftermath of the collapse.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the importance of safety measures in place to prevent such incidents. DeSantis’s experience underscores the random nature of such disasters and how a matter of minutes can make a life-changing difference. The tragedy has brought the community together in mourning and reflection, as they grapple with the loss of a familiar landmark and the impact on transportation and commerce in the region. Despite the shock and disbelief of the events, the community is coming together to support each other and work towards recovery and rebuilding efforts.
