Baltimore, Maryland – A tragic incident unfolded early on Tuesday morning when a container ship collided with the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore. The impact resulted in a significant portion of the bridge collapsing, leading to several vehicles on the bridge plunging into the waters of the River Patapsco. The ensuing chaos prompted a response from the Coast Guard, who tragically reported at least six individuals presumed dead in the aftermath.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore swiftly declared a state of emergency as the Port of Baltimore was forced to shut down all shipping operations. In response to the disaster, President Joe Biden pledged full federal support in covering the costs of rebuilding the bridge and resuming port activities.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, commonly known as the Key Bridge, holds historical significance and was built in honor of the 19th-century Maryland poet Francis Scott Key, who penned the lyrics to the US national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. Spanning the Patapsco River and Baltimore harbor, the bridge’s collapse was captured in disturbing video footage showing the bridge giving way after being struck by the container ship Dali.
Tragically, eight individuals, part of a construction crew working on repairs at the time of the incident, were caught on the bridge when disaster struck. Rescue efforts managed to save two workers, with the remaining six succumbing to the frigid waters of the river. The US Coast Guard transitioned from a search and rescue mission to a recovery operation, focusing on locating and retrieving the victims’ bodies to provide closure to their families.
Investigations into the cause of the collision revealed that the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, operated by Synergy Group and leased by Maersk, lost propulsion, leading to the tragic collision with the bridge. The incident raised concerns about the vessel’s technical integrity and previous safety inspections conducted by maritime authorities.
The impact of the bridge collapse extends beyond the immediate loss of life, with major disruptions expected in both road traffic and shipping activities. The closure of the Key Bridge, part of Interstate 695, will have long-term consequences on traffic flow and supply chain operations in the region. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg acknowledged the severe repercussions on supply chains and the economy as authorities work to address the fallout from the disaster.
As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the collision, experts and officials are left grappling with the broader implications of the tragic event on both local communities and the maritime industry. The recovery process promises to be a challenging and lengthy endeavor as authorities work to rebuild infrastructure, restore operations, and provide answers to the families affected by the disaster.