Engineering Lessons One Year After The Baltimore Bridge Collapse
17:22 minutes
In the early morning of March 26, 2024, the container ship Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Within 30 seconds, the bridge collapsed into the river below. Six construction workers lost their lives.
On the one-year anniversary of the accident, we talk about what went wrong, and how to improve the safety of our nation’s bridges and prevent another tragic crash.
Host Ira Flatow is joined by Dr. Abi Aghayere, professor of civil engineering at Drexel University; and Dr. Thomas McKenney, associate professor of engineering practice in the naval architecture and marine engineering department at the University of Michigan.
Further Reading
- Learn about the workers who died in the bridge collapse, and how they were honored this week, via NBC4 Washington.
- See coverage and photos of the bridge recovery process, one year on via AP.
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Segment Guests
Abi Aghayere
Dr. Abi Aghayere is a Professor of Civil Engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Thomas McKenney
Dr. Thomas McKenney is an Associate Professor of Engineering Practice, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available early next week.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Shoshannah Buxbaum
Shoshannah Buxbaum is a producer for Science Friday. She’s particularly drawn to stories about health, psychology, and the environment. She’s a proud New Jersey native and will happily share her opinions on why the state is deserving of a little more love.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.