Baltimore, Maryland – The transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, recently addressed the ongoing investigations into the responsibility for the cargo ship crash that occurred at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Buttigieg emphasized that if private companies are found to be at fault, they will be held accountable for the incident. Despite the inquiries into liability, Buttigieg stressed that efforts to repair the damage and restore operations must not be delayed.
During a news conference near the crash site, Buttigieg expressed his concerns about the long road to recovery ahead for both the bridge and the Port of Baltimore. He made it clear that the Biden administration considers the restoration of the bridge and the reopening of the port to be top priorities. However, the specific timeline for reopening the Patapsco River channel remains uncertain, as Buttigieg collaborates with authorities such as the US Coast Guard to expedite the process.
Buttigieg highlighted the importance of reopening the channel swiftly to prevent further disruptions to supply chains. He noted that the impact of the incident would reverberate throughout the region and affect national supply chains, as the Port of Baltimore plays a crucial role in handling vehicles. With the port temporarily out of commission until the channel is cleared, Buttigieg emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation promptly.
The transportation secretary’s remarks underscored the significance of addressing the implications of the bridge crash promptly to mitigate its repercussions on the local and national transportation networks. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the incident and reassured the public that the necessary measures are being taken to address the crisis effectively. As investigations continue and efforts to restore normal operations progress, Buttigieg remains focused on ensuring accountability and swift recovery in the aftermath of the bridge collision.