PBS’s NOVA tackles the sobering aftermath of a real-world disaster in “Baltimore Bridge Collapse,” exploring the structural and mechanical failures that led to the tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge incident on March 26, 2024. This isn’t just a dry recitation of facts; the episode aims to unravel the chain of events that caused the container ship Dali to lose power and collide with the bridge, resulting in its collapse and the deaths of six highway workers.
The ripple effects of this catastrophe extended far beyond the immediate tragedy, crippling the Port of Baltimore, a major hub in the global shipping network. NOVA will follow the frantic rescue and recovery operations, as well as the herculean efforts to reopen the port, offering viewers a glimpse into the logistics and engineering challenges involved in such a massive undertaking.
Beyond the immediate response, the episode will bring in experts to analyze the underlying causes of the bridge’s failure. Was it simply a freak accident, a perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances? Or did structural weaknesses play a part? More importantly, what lessons can be learned to prevent similar disasters from happening again? NOVA will examine the potential vulnerabilities of other crucial bridges, raising important questions about the safety and resilience of our infrastructure.
This episode airs Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on PBS.
