The Baltimore Key Bridge collision was a preventable tragedy caused by a systematic failure to implement adequate safeguards and a long-term lack of investment in infrastructure, according to Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the U.S Airforwarders Association, which represents hundreds of companies involved in moving cargo across the global supply chain.

He said lessons had not been learned from earlier incidents, such as the collision with the Tampa Sunshine Skyway Bridge in 1980, which underscored the need for protective barriers to safeguard against ship collisions.

The Key Bridge support towers did not have protective barriers.

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“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, who are enduring unimaginable suffering in the aftermath of this tragic incident,” he said.

“As we grapple with the immediate repercussions, it is imperative that we also reflect on the systemic failures that contributed to this avoidable catastrophe and confront the glaring lack of preventive measures that could have averted this disaster.

“The failure to implement adequate safeguards raises serious questions about the oversight and accountability of both Federal and State authorities.

“Why were warnings from the past disregarded?

“Why were proactive measures not taken to protect critical infrastructure and the lives of those who rely on it?

“These are questions that demand answers and accountability.

“As we mourn the loss and devastation caused by this tragic event, we must also resolve to learn from our mistakes and take decisive action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“The safety and resilience of our infrastructure and supply chains depend on our willingness to confront shortcomings and implement necessary reforms.

“In the face of adversity, let us unite in our commitment to honor the memory of those affected by this tragedy and work tirelessly to ensure that such incidents never occur again.”

Fried added that, in the short term, supply chains would be significantly disrupted along the U.S. East Coast, with ships destined for Baltimore forced to reroute to alternative ports.

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“The impact of this diversion will ripple throughout the region, affecting businesses, workers, and consumers alike,” he said

“Cargo stranded within the Port of Baltimore compounds the challenge, necessitating swift action to retrieve containers and find alternative transportation routes.”

The U.S Airforwarders Association represents hundreds of companies moving cargo across all modes of transport throughout the global supply chain.

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