In the early hours of Tuesday, a colossal container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a catastrophic collapse that sent vehicles and individuals plummeting into the Patapsco River below. The 948-foot Singapore-flagged vessel, identified as the Dali, struck the bridge, a vital artery for the Port of Baltimore, enveloping the area in chaos and darkness.
Rescue operations ensued, with two survivors being extracted from the frigid waters, one of whom is currently hospitalised. “Our immediate focus is on the search and rescue efforts,” stated Maryland Governor Wes Moore, assuring the public that there was no indication of terrorism involved in the incident. Despite the bridge meeting safety codes, six individuals remain missing following the collapse, which has significantly disrupted one of America’s busiest ports.
The U.S. Coast Guard, reporting the collapse at 1:27 a.m., launched a full-scale search and rescue mission. “The bridge’s collapse has necessitated a rigorous response from our emergency services,” said Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland Secretary of Transportation. The bridge, which served as a major thoroughfare connecting New York and Washington, D.C., was undergoing pothole repairs at the time of the incident.
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation, reflecting the gravity of the event. Eyewitness Jayme Krause recounted the moment of the collapse, “It was like witnessing a scene from an action movie, completely surreal.”
The aftermath of the collapse has halted operations at the Port of Baltimore, a critical hub for automotive shipments and other commodities. “The impact on our port and the national supply chain will be significant,” noted transportation authorities. The bridge, which saw over 31,000 vehicles daily, was not only a key transport link but also a historical landmark, named after the author of the U.S. national anthem.
