In a tragic incident unfolding in Baltimore on Tuesday morning, at least six individuals are reported missing following a catastrophic collision between a large cargo ship and a pillar of the city’s iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge. The impact of the collision resulted in the collapse of a section of the bridge, with devastating consequences.
The cargo ship, named Dali, reportedly lost power before crashing into the bridge. Crew members aboard the vessel made a distress call, signaling a ‘Mayday’ alert, before the collision occurred. The vessel’s loss of power appears to have contributed to the accident, according to initial reports.
Eight workers who were engaged in maintenance work on the bridge at the time of the collision fell into the Patapsco River below. Miraculously, two individuals have been rescued from the water, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. However, the fate of the remaining six individuals remains uncertain as rescue efforts continue.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore swiftly declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster. While emphasizing that the crash appears to be an accident, Governor Moore reassured the public that there is “no credible evidence of a terrorist attack” associated with the incident. The focus now lies on rescue operations and assessing the extent of the damage caused by the collapse.
President Joe Biden expressed his solidarity with the people of Baltimore in the wake of the disaster. He pledged to travel to the city at the earliest opportunity and affirmed the federal government’s commitment to providing support for the recovery efforts. President Biden assured that the federal government would bear the cost of rebuilding the bridge, underscoring the significance of the Port of Baltimore in national commerce.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning 1.6 miles and named after the poet who authored “The Star-Spangled Banner,” serves as a vital link in the East Coast shipping network. Its collapse not only disrupts local traffic but also has significant implications for the operations of the Port of Baltimore, which stands as a crucial hub for specialized cargo handling in the United States.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the families of those affected, and the brave individuals involved in rescue and recovery efforts. The full extent of the damage and the implications of the bridge collapse are yet to be fully understood, but one thing remains clear: Baltimore will need all the support it can get as it navigates through this challenging time.