OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Maryland Public Television (MPT), in collaboration with WBAL-TV, will premiere “Key Bridge Disaster: Reflect, Recover, Rebuild” on Wednesday, March 19, at 8 p.m. on MPT-HD and online at mpt.org/livestream. The documentary will also be accessible live and on-demand through the PBS app and MPT’s online video platform.
Airing just ahead of the first anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the one-hour special revisits the events of the disaster, which occurred when the container ship Dali lost power and struck the bridge, causing its complete failure and the tragic loss of six lives. The film highlights the extensive salvage operation, the human and economic toll, and the efforts to design and fund a new bridge that will support Baltimore’s long-term economic growth.
A Story of Tragedy, Response, and Recovery
The documentary opens with the immediate aftermath of the collapse, showcasing the efforts of first responders from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, the Baltimore Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, and others who played critical roles in search and rescue operations.
It then delves into the complexities of the salvage mission, including the retrieval of victims, removal of bridge debris from the Dali, and the eventual reopening of the shipping channel.
Economic and Community Impact
The economic consequences of the collapse are explored through firsthand accounts from longshoremen at the Port of Baltimore, truck drivers, warehouse operators, and distributors who relied on the bridge for daily commerce. The film also highlights Tradepoint Atlantic, the only remaining operational port in Baltimore after the disaster, which played a key role in keeping cargo moving and housing pieces of the fallen bridge.
Residents of the Turner Station neighborhood share their perspectives on how the disaster affected their community and emphasize their hopes for inclusion in the rebuilding process.
Looking Ahead
The documentary concludes by examining the federal funding efforts that secured resources for reconstruction and the unveiling of the new bridge design in February.
Produced over nine months, “Key Bridge Disaster: Reflect, Recover, Rebuild” features insights from more than 20 individuals, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. Interviews were conducted by MPT’s Jeff Salkin and WBAL-TV’s Deborah Weiner.
The documentary is a co-production of Maryland Public Television, WBAL-TV, and Moudira Creative, LLC.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) member offering entertaining and educational content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices via its online video player and the free PBS app. A state agency operating under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission, MPT also produces local, regional, and national programming and frequently earns regional Emmy® awards for its work. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through its Maryland Center for Media Literacy & Education and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources covering a wide range of topics. More information is available at mpt.org.
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