Inspector Among Victims In Key Bridge Collapse, Maryland Official Says

• Inspector involved in Key Bridge collapse during routine inspection.

• Maryland Transportation Secretary expressed concern over the incident.

• Questions raised about Key Bridge's structural integrity and safety measures.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

Reuters

An inspector who was contracted by the state of Maryland with an engineering firm overseeing work was among the victims who fell into the water following the Key Bridge collapse, as confirmed by Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld.

The Key Bridge collapse incident occurred during a routine inspection of the bridge, which connects the state of Maryland with Virginia. The inspector, who was on-site as part of the engineering firm's oversight responsibilities, tragically became one of the individuals affected by the collapse.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld expressed deep concern over the incident and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in infrastructure projects. The collapse has raised questions about the structural integrity of the Key Bridge and the adequacy of safety measures in place during inspections.

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene immediately following the collapse to rescue those who had fallen into the water. The exact circumstances leading to the collapse are currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine the cause of the incident.

The Key Bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with infrastructure projects and the critical need for thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent such tragedies. Maryland officials have pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of bridge safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.