A cargo ship, Dali, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore during the early hours of Tuesday, causing a significant portion of the bridge to collapse into the river below. The incident resulted in at least two confirmed rescues and an ongoing search for possible additional survivors.
3-4 civilian vehicles may have been on the bridge when it collapsed. Rescue operation underway.
According to Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, the incident was described as an “unthinkable tragedy” and a “developing mass casualty event” in the city. The bridge, which was constructed in 1977, is a crucial transportation link between Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore, a major shipping hub on the East Coast.
2 Rescued, at Least Seven Missing After Baltimore Bridge Collapses
Fire crews: 7 construction workers and 3-4 civilian vehicles may have been on the bridge when it collapsed. Rescue operation underway. https://t.co/PD4kquFrm0
— BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024
It is still unclear what caused the container ship to crash into the bridge, and the search for potential survivors is ongoing. The water temperature was reported to be around 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) before dawn, making the situation even more critical. The incident has resulted in a significant disruption to vessel traffic, with all traffic suspended until further notice.
The container ship was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, from Baltimore, and it was carrying cargo for Danish shipping giant Maersk. However, there were no Maersk crew or personnel on board at the time of the incident. The collapse of the bridge has caused Maersk shares to plummet by 2% in early Tuesday trading.
The incident has caused significant alarm and concern in the local community, with social media posts and videos capturing the dramatic visuals of the bridge collapsing into the river. The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.