Baltimore Key Bridge collapse latest: First piece of wreckage removed as mayor responds to racist critics

Workers have removed a 200-tonne segment of the collapsed Francis Key Scott bridge from the Patapsco River, an important step towards allowing access for barges and tugboats to reach the disaster site.

The workers are currently focusing on lifting a section of the bridge while leaving the crumpled part resting on the bow of the Dali, the container ship responsible for the bridge collapse, officials said.

Transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said there was no timeline yet for reopening of the Port of Baltimore due to the ongoing complex operation. But the captain of the Port of Baltimore has said authorities are preparing to open an alternate channel in the vicinity of the bridge.

Meanwhile, Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott responded to racist remarks made by conservatives who falsely attributed the incident to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes.

“I know that. I’ve been Black my whole life. I know how racism goes in this country,” Mr Scott told CBS News.

“I’m worried about the loss of life,” he said, adding that he was “ignoring the noise of people who simply want to be divisive”.

A crane stands by at Tradepoint Atlantic terminal near the wreckage:

Maryland Bridge Collapse

Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge:

Debris is cleared from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge

This aerial view shows the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge lying on top of the container ship Dali in Baltimore:

This aerial view shows the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge lying on top of the container ship Dali in Baltimore

The mayor of the city of Baltimore is calling on Congress to act as a united body in response to the devastation caused by the crash of a massive container ship into his city’s iconic