In the early hours of Tuesday morning, tragedy struck the city of Baltimore as a major bridge collapsed following a collision with a container ship, sending multiple vehicles plummeting into the Patapsco River below. The incident, which unfolded near the Francis Scott Key Bridge carrying Interstate 695 over the river, has left at least seven individuals missing as emergency responders scrambled to search for survivors.
Francis Scott Bridge Baltimore Collapse
SAD AND TRAGIC IN BALTIMORE MARYLAND, CARS IN WATER, PEOPLE DROWNED: While you were asleep, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed after it was hit by a cargo ship. (Watch the cargo ship under the bridge …left side)
NOTE: The Francis Scott Key Bridge carries Interstate 695, and… pic.twitter.com/elLP7fn7Yf
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 26, 2024
The harrowing scene was captured in dramatic video footage, showing smoke billowing from the boat as the bridge and the road it supported crumbled into the river. Moments before the collision, a livestream depicted cars and trucks traversing the bridge, unaware of the impending disaster. Although the vessel did not sink, its lights remained illuminated as rescue efforts commenced.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace provided updates on the situation, confirming that two individuals had been rescued from the water, with one in good condition and the other sustaining serious injuries. However, the fate of those still missing remained uncertain as underwater drones and surveillance tools detected multiple vehicles submerged in the river. Wallace emphasized that the search and rescue operation remained active, with helicopters deployed to survey the area from above.
The response to the incident has been comprehensive, with numerous local and federal agencies, including the FBI, mobilizing to provide assistance. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that it received notification of the collision involving the 948-foot container ship named DALI, sailing under a Singaporean flag. The vessel, operated by Synergy Group and chartered to transport cargo for shipping giant Maersk, collided with a pillar of the bridge, triggering the catastrophic collapse.
In the wake of the disaster, Maersk expressed horror at the events and extended condolences to those affected. Similarly, Grace Ocean Private Ltd, the registered owner of the ship, confirmed the collision and assured that all crew members were safe, with no injuries or oil pollution reported. The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board gathering information to determine the sequence of events leading to the bridge collapse.
🚨BREAKING: MARYLAND GOV DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY
A cargo ship appeared to have lost power moments before it crashed into the Key Bridge in Maryland causing it to collapse. pic.twitter.com/GGasQdgXWK
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 26, 2024
As news of the tragedy spread, the White House offered support to local authorities, with senior administration officials in contact with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. Governor Moore declared a state of emergency and pledged to deploy federal resources to aid in the rescue efforts. Meanwhile, family members of workers employed by Brawner Builders Inc., who were reportedly working on the bridge at the time of the collapse, anxiously awaited updates on their loved ones’ status.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital transportation artery completed in 1977 and spanning over 1.2 miles, holds significant economic and strategic importance for Baltimore and the East Coast shipping industry. The bridge’s collapse represents not only a devastating loss of infrastructure but also a profound human tragedy, underscoring the inherent risks and challenges associated with transportation and infrastructure maintenance.
As the search and rescue operation continues, communities across Baltimore and beyond unite in solidarity, offering thoughts and prayers for the victims and gratitude for the bravery of first responders. In the face of adversity, resilience and compassion shine through, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis.