Noise #142: The Key Bridge collapse
A local disaster's global echoes.
I grew up in the DC Metro area, and though I rarely drove across the Key Bridge myself, it was always mentioned on traffic reports. It was shocking to wake a few days ago and watch video of the structure peeling off axis, snaking into the water.
I recorded Noise #142 while thinking about the following, listed in order from most local to most expansive:
The poor folks presumed dead, and those injured in the collapse.
The brave folks who acted quickly, spread the word, stopped traffic, and helped avoid greater suffering.
What the crippling of Baltimore’s beltway will do to the region’s citizens, communities, environment, and economy.
What the crippling of Baltimore’s beltway will do for the nearby I95 corridor, a nationally vital artery of economic, cultural, governmental, and even diplomatic transit.
What the closing of the Port of Baltimore will mean for global commerce, supply chain continuity, and international relations, given that thousands of factories and warehouses export goods through the port, and roughly $80 billion of goods pass through its waters each year.
And all of this because of a single broken ship.
Wishing you peace and safety,
Michael
(Noise #142 by Michael Gallant. Copyright 2024 Gallant Music LLC. All Rights Reserved. )