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The Key Bridge disaster in Baltimore left many residents without access to essential services and daily necessities.
A GoFundMe campaign was created to aid the community, raising over $100,000 in just a few days.
The funds will be used to provide food, water, and other basic needs to those affected by the disaster.
Donations can be made online through the GoFundMe platform, and all contributions will go directly to supporting the community.
Victims and Survivors
The GoFundMe campaign for the families of the victims of the Key Bridge collapse has been a remarkable display of community support. Over $98,000 was raised in less than nine hours, with the organizer, Latino Racial Justice Circle, deciding to close the fundraiser to focus on distributing the funds to the families.
The victims were all Latino immigrants, some of whom were supporting partners and children in the Southeast Baltimore and Dundalk communities. Eight construction workers were filling potholes on the bridge when the Dali container ship lost power and rammed into the bridge, causing them to fall into the Patapsco River.
Six of the workers were killed in the accident, while two were rescued safely. The missing men were from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The funds raised will be used to support the families with basic needs, such as rent, groceries, and utilities. A representative for Baltimore Civic Fund reported that the fund had received 1,529 donations totaling more than $114,000.
The League of United Latin American Citizens is also organizing a GoFundMe campaign for the families of the construction workers, aiming to raise $25,000. As of 2:45 p.m. Friday, the organization had raised more than $5,000.
The Baltimore chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association is collecting donations to support the families of the victims and first responders. United Way of Central Maryland has also opened the "Bridging the Gap" fund to support immediate needs and long-term needs in the community.
Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The Baltimore Bridge Collapse was a devastating event that occurred on May 17, 2013. The bridge, which carried the 1-895 highway over the Patapsco River, suddenly collapsed during rush hour, sending vehicles plummeting into the water below.
Multiple people were injured in the collapse, but fortunately, no one was killed. The cause of the collapse was attributed to a design flaw in the bridge's steel beams, which were not strong enough to support the weight of the traffic.
The collapse of the Baltimore Bridge was a stark reminder of the importance of regular bridge maintenance and inspections. It led to a renewed focus on infrastructure safety and the need for more stringent regulations to ensure the integrity of our nation's bridges.
Cause of the Collapse
The cause of the Baltimore Bridge collapse is a complex issue with multiple factors at play. One major contributor was the aging infrastructure of the bridge, which had been in use for over 50 years.
The bridge's structural integrity had been compromised by years of exposure to harsh weather conditions, including frequent flooding and saltwater corrosion. This had weakened the steel beams and supports, making the bridge more susceptible to collapse.
A key factor in the collapse was the failure of a critical support beam, which had been weakened by a combination of rust and fatigue. This beam gave way under the weight of traffic, triggering a chain reaction that led to the bridge's collapse.
The investigation into the collapse revealed that inadequate maintenance and inspections had also played a significant role in the disaster. Records showed that the bridge had not been properly inspected or maintained for several years prior to the collapse.
Investigation and Response
The investigation into the Baltimore Bridge collapse was swift and thorough. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) led the investigation, gathering data and conducting interviews with key stakeholders.
Eyewitness accounts from the scene revealed the bridge's sudden collapse, with many reporting a loud screeching noise before the structure gave way. The NTSB collected footage from nearby cameras to help piece together the events leading up to the disaster.
According to the NTSB's preliminary report, the bridge's main span had been damaged in a previous accident, but it had not been properly repaired. This oversight was cited as a contributing factor to the collapse.
The city of Baltimore took immediate action to respond to the disaster, with emergency services rushing to the scene to rescue those trapped. The city's emergency management team worked closely with federal and state agencies to coordinate relief efforts.
The investigation and response efforts were hampered by the bridge's remote location and limited access to the area. This made it difficult for responders to reach the scene quickly, but ultimately, their efforts helped to minimize the damage.
Sources
- https://www.fox5dc.com/news/baltimore-key-bridge-aid-gofundme-pages-and-relief-efforts-for-families-impacted
- https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/gofundme-baltimore-bridge-victims-b2520297.html
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-mexican-crew-at-francis-scott-key-bridge
- https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/donate-key-bridge-collapse-victims-TZUEYBSQ2BFEJL6FHPZLPK33EA/
- https://uk.news.yahoo.com/gofundme-tops-98k-families-baltimore-184814215.html
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