Historic Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Container Ship Collision
In a harrowing turn of events early Tuesday morning, a major Baltimore bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship, sending multiple vehicles plummeting into the dark waters below. The catastrophic incident has sparked a frantic search for survivors and has resulted in the shutdown of one of the nation’s busiest ports.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore swiftly declared a state of emergency, emphasizing that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was likely the result of an accident rather than an act of terrorism. The tragic event has left the state in shock, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate missing individuals.
The cargo ship involved, known as the Dali, reported a “power issue” and issued a mayday call just moments before it collided with a bridge support. The impact, at a speed of about nine miles per hour, caused the 984-foot vessel to strike the support pillar, leading to the bridge’s collapse.
Rescue operations have revealed at least five vehicles submerged in the frigid waters, including three passenger cars, a cement truck, and another unidentified vehicle. While some individuals have been rescued, several remain unaccounted for, including workers who were performing repairs on the bridge at the time of the collision.
The Dali, chartered by the Danish shipping company Maersk, had been involved in a previous collision in 2016. Following Tuesday’s incident, all 22 crew members onboard were reported safe, with two port pilots guiding the vessel during the crash.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning the Patapsco River southeast of Baltimore, was confirmed to be up to code prior to the collapse. With Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg overseeing the situation and National Transportation Safety Board investigators on site, the focus remains on rescue efforts and determining the cause of the disaster.
President Joe Biden has pledged federal support in rebuilding the bridge, acknowledging the critical role of the Port of Baltimore as the 11th largest port in the U.S. The closure of the port has forced shipping companies to reroute their vessels to other nearby ports, impacting the local economy and workforce.
As the investigation into the bridge collapse continues, the community in Baltimore remains in mourning and gratitude for the efforts of first responders and volunteers who have aided in the rescue operations. The road to recovery and reconstruction will be long, but the resilience of the city and its people is unwavering in the face of tragedy.