In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a cargo ship lost power and slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse in seconds. The harrowing incident has left six people missing and presumed dead, as well as major disruptions to the vital shipping port.
According to reports, the ship’s crew issued a mayday call just moments before the crash, allowing authorities to quickly stop vehicle traffic on the bridge. Governor Wes Moore commended these quick actions, stating that they “saved lives last night.”
Unfortunately, the impact of the ship was too great, and the bridge collapsed like a toy, plunging a section of it into the river below. Search and rescue efforts have been put on hold until Wednesday morning due to challenging conditions, and it is feared the missing workers will not be found alive.
BREAKING: A cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it the collapse. Multiple cars reportedly plunged into the water below. pic.twitter.com/OAvtGyVh6q
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) March 26, 2024
The tragedy has not only claimed 6 potential lives, but it has also caused major disruptions for the Port of Baltimore, a crucial hub for trade on the East Coast. The loss of the bridge will cause logistical nightmares and snarl both cargo and commuter traffic for months, if not years.
Questions are being raised about the safety protocols in place, as the ship was able to collide with the bridge despite being under the control of local pilots. It is also concerning that the Dali, the Singapore-flagged ship responsible for the collision, had a known issue with its machinery just a few months ago.
First light on the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore, Md. March 26, 2024, 7:00 a.m. from Pasadena, Md. pic.twitter.com/WBCJyNNvgm
— Tim Grooms: Storm Documentarian (@tim_grooms) March 26, 2024
The impact of this collapse has already been felt, with multiple vehicle drivers going into the river and the disruption of ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore. President Joe Biden has stated he plans to visit the city and will ensure that the federal government covers the entire cost of rebuilding.
LIVE: NBC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT: President Biden speaks about Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. https://t.co/J3LdpofeuQ https://t.co/WVnunjqpoG
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 26, 2024
Experts in the shipping industry warn that Americans should expect shortages of goods due to the impact on ocean container shipping and trucking on the East Coast. This will not only affect Baltimore but also have ripple effects on trade across the country.
Biden claims he commuted over the Francis Scott Key bridge by train many times.
The bridge doesn’t have any rail lines and no trains run over the bridge.pic.twitter.com/OXw2LV1x0g
— ANANT (@Anantt18_) March 27, 2024
