A large container vessel suffered a series of technical problems and lost engine power and steering, then drifted into one of the supports of the Francis Scott Bridge, causing it to collapse. Although the crew of the vessel had managed to alert the bridge authorities who were able to stop traffic crossing the bridge, a number of workers carrying out maintenance were killed in the collapse.
Erected in 1977, the Francis Scott Bridge had been inspected prior to the collapse and did meet requirements. However, it predated the introduction of large modern cargo vessels and did not feature some of the protection measures for its supports now required on modern bridge designs.The new crossing replacing the Francis Scott Bridge will feature measures that will prevent its collapse in the event of a ship impact.
