The Maryland Bridge is Falling Down?

By: Alexandra Bunch

TIMBER! As the cargo ship makes contact with the bridge the transportation structure plummets in a matter of seconds. Not long after, Maryland and its occupants would soon awake to the horrifying news that would deliver the confirmed death of loved ones. Dr. Crews expressed, “I think when humans are involved, anything can be hindered. Hopefully, the powers that be will update protocols and procedures to reduce these risks in the future.”

Picture Link:https://farmpolicynews.illinois.edu/2024/03/maryland-bridge-collapse-could-affect-ag/

On Tuesday, March 26th, families all around the U.S. were notified with concerning news. The Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge located in Maryland collapsed earlier that day at about 1:30 in the morning. It fell after a cargo ship accidentally ran into the bridge. Close to the entirety of the bridge was demolished in the collision, negatively impacting many individuals who utilized the structure. The unfortunate occurrence left the entire country in shock puzzled about how such a travesty could occur with modern-day technology and precautions 

It all started when the loaded vessel lost power. The ship’s crew issued a mayday moments before it hit the bridge moving roughly nine miles per hour. Due to the lost power on such a big transportation ship the captain and crew could do very little to get it back under control. The power not only controls the lights and navigation system in the ship but also the significant engines and propellers. Despite the mayday sent out in an attempt to save lives from the inevitable crash, the crew members couldn’t save everyone at the bridge. 

CONNECTING THE DIVIDE. Jorden Stroud, senior, is recently a new driver and she is alarmed  to hear about the bridge collapse. Though she didn’t go out much once she got her license she was still vocal on how the problem could’ve been prevented. Stroud responded, “Everything can always be routinely checked for safety measures. Ships always go under there (the bridge) and it never seemed tall enough.”

Unfortunately, with the combination of cars on the bridge and people working on the bridge, there was an estimated death toll of more than six people. On the night of the incident, eight workers were filling potholes on the bridge. Two men were rescued the same day but a day later two other men were regrettably found dead, 35-year-old Alejandro Hernández Fuentes and 26-year-old Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Police were also able to recover the body of Maynor Yasir Suazo-Sandova, 38. Currently, officials are still on the search for Jose Mynor Lopez, Miguel Luna, and Carlos Hernandez’s bodies. A U.S. Coast Guard officer, Carmen Carver, claimed, “There’s so much stuff underneath that you can’t see” and that the Coast Guard “can’t speculate where they might have fallen or gotten trapped under.”

With new drivers at East Wake High School along with faculty and students who are constantly traveling, this accident poses a great concern. Where is the insurance that what happened in Maryland won’t happen to local bridges within North Carolina or even more specifically Wake County? In a quest to get students and faculty’s opinions on the bridge’s collapse, senior Jorden Stroud and teacher Dr. Crews had insightful comments concerning the topic. Stroud commented, “This collapse could’ve been prevented by making sure things were suitable for the journey. Always be prepared and use safety precautions when involving other peoples’ lives.” Dr. Crews said, “First, when I heard about the bridge incident I did not do any further research. I prayed that all involved were okay.” Despite the distance and unlikely relations to the victims of the incident, it is still disheartening to hear how innocent people’s lives have been lost to such tragedies that could’ve been avoided.