Gov. Henry McMaster Addresses Potential Impacts of Baltimore Bridge Collapse on South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Following the devastating collapse of a significant bridge in Baltimore, Governor Henry McMaster has come forward to clarify how this incident could impact South Carolina.
The Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
In the early hours of Tuesday, a large container ship crashed into a supporting pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The impact resulted in the entire bridge sinking into the water moments later.
Emerging Consequences of The Incident
Addressing the issue from the State House following a press conference, McMaster spoke on the potential increased traffic on South Carolina’s roadways due to the interruption in Baltimore.
Baltimore Port being one of the largest in the United States plays a significant role in the country’s trade. The incident has led to the temporary closure of the port, causing companies and ocean carriers to reroute thousands of containers to other ports, including those in South Carolina.
The governor added that the Baltimore Port is a prime location for both import and export activities, particularly for cars and agricultural products. As a result, some detours will be directed towards Charleston Port.
Baltimore Port’s Shutdown: Significant Impacts for South Carolina
“We can anticipate an influx of ships into the harbor which will signify more traffic on the roads to unload and load. This situation is most likely to occur, and I urge everyone to be patient given the tragic incident in Maryland,” said McMaster.
South Carolina Prepares for The Change
The South Carolina Port Authority issued a statement following inquiries about any impending changes due to the situation in Baltimore. “The South Carolina Department of Transportation, South Carolina Ports and Charleston Branch Pilots Association have initiated discussions regarding the incident, and we plan to jointly review harbor operations, state infrastructure, and procedures.”
Assistance Offered to Baltimore
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) confirmed that its director, Kim Stenson, has reached out to the Maryland Emergency Management Secretary offering support. In a post shared by McMaster, he quoted, “South Carolina is prepared to assist Maryland following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.”
A Tragic Global Trend
This incident joins the unfortunate list of major bridge collapses across the world due to ship or barge related collisions. From 1960 to 2015, there have 35 such incidences globally. Regardless, South Carolina is ready to navigate through the challenges posed by this calamity.
The governor concluded by urging citizens to keep the victims and their families in prayers and assured that the Department of Transportation was prepared for increased harbor and road usage.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
