Six People Missing in Baltimore Bridge Incident
Luckily, the authorities foresaw the accident and stopped many cars from passing over the bridge just in time. However, members of a construction crew remained on the bridge when it collapsed. Six individuals remain missing and are presumed dead, per The Associated Press.
Source: Wikimedia
The unfortunate event is but one of many bridge disasters that have occurred in the states over the years. Here are five of the biggest bridge disasters in U.S. history.
Eads Bridge, St. Louis Harbor
Close to three decades ago, the Anne Holly tow was making its way through the St. Louis Harbor when it crashed into the middle portion of the Eads Bridge.
Source: Wikimedia
Eight barges broke away from the tow as the ship crashed into the bridge, three of which smashed into the President Casino gambling vessel.
Anne Holly Crash Results in Over $11 Worth of Damage
According to KSDK, the crash injured around 50 people, with 16 of them being admitted to the hospital.
Source: Wikimedia
The collision caused an eye-watering $11 million worth of damage to the bridge and surrounding pier.
Queen Isabella Causeway Collapse
A few days after the terrorist attacks in September 2001, disaster struck in Texas when a tugboat and barge smashed into the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Source: Wikimedia
The collision with the bridge, which is found in Port Isabel, forced its midsection to collapse into the bay below, per ABC 7.
Casualties of the Queen Isabella Causeway Incident
Numerous motorists were still on the bridge when it began to collapse.
Source: Wikimedia
Unfortunately, eight individuals drove directly into the gaping hole, which came as a result of the collision, and they all died.
Florida’s Sunshine Skyway Bridge Destroyed by Freighter
Over four decades ago, the enormous Summit Venture freighter was making its way through Tampa Bay’s narrow shipping channel when disaster struck.
Source: Wikimedia
As the ship traveled down the winding channel, a storm knocked out the ship’s radar. It went off course and eventually collided with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
35 People Die in Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster
The initial collision saw a 1,400-foot portion of the road fall to the water below.
Source: Freepik
The event occurred during the morning rush hour. In total, seven vehicles plummeted to the water below, including a bus with 26 people on board. Thirty-five people died as a result of the accident.
Seeber Bridge New Orleans
At the tail end of May 1993, the towboat Chris, which was pushing an empty hopper barge, smashed into a support tier of New Orleans’ William Seeber Bridge.
Source: Wikimedia
This caused a portion of the bridge to fall onto the canal bank below.
Two Cars Flung Off the Bridge
As a result of the collision, two cars carrying a total of three people were flung off the bridge and into the canal below.
Source: Wikimedia
One person died from their injuries, while the other two were severely injured.
Big Bayou Canot Disaster
In the fall of 1992, the towboat Mauvilla was pushing barges near Mobile, Alabama, during a particularly foggy evening when disaster struck.
Source: Freepik
The ship smashed into the side of the Big Bayou Canot railroad bridge, displacing it due to the collision.
A Train Reaches the Displaced Bridge and Is Derailed
Unfortunately, moments later, an Amtrak train carrying over 200 passengers approached the displaced bridge and flew off the tracks.
Source: Wikimedia
In total, 47 people lost their lives during the incident, and a further 103 were left injured, per ABC Chicago.