Experts weigh in on what may have caused cargo ship to crash into Key Bridge

BALTIMORE (WBFF) -- — When a cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early morning hours of March 26, it raised several questions about how the more than 40-year-old bridge came crashing down into the Patapsco River. Several engineers said it’s not surprising given the weight of the cargo ship and the way the bridge is designed.

The I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge spanned 1.6 miles. Construction began on the bridge in 1972 and opened in March 1977. Scholars believe the span crosses within 100 yards of the site where Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry on the evening of Sept. 12, 1814