In the early hours of Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore met a catastrophic fate as it plunged into the Patapsco River. This disaster unfolded after a freighter, having already signaled a loss of power and potential control issues to the authorities, collided with the bridge. The incident has raised numerous questions, not least concerning the number of individuals on the 1.6-mile steel structure at the time of its collapse. Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the timely intervention of authorities in halting traffic, a move that undeniably prevented further loss of life. In the aftermath, officials are urgently searching for at least six individuals, believed to be construction workers present on the bridge for maintenance work at the time of the calamity.
A publicly accessible webcam captured the harrowing moment of the bridge’s collapse, providing a visual testament to the severity of the incident. Brawner Builders Inc., a company with a construction crew on the bridge when it collapsed, confirmed their involvement but has been reserved in providing further details. The company, based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is known for its work with the Maryland Transportation Authority and the Baltimore County government.
The search for the six missing individuals, all part of the construction team addressing potholes on the bridge, continues. This tragic event has prompted a thorough investigation, with officials and rescue teams working tirelessly to account for all missing persons.
The cargo ship identified as the Dali, responsible for the bridge’s collapse, was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, with an expected arrival date of April 22. Governor Wes Moore has stated that the timeline for reopening the Port of Baltimore remains uncertain, emphasizing the current focus on life-saving efforts. The port, a critical hub for vehicle imports in the U.S., faces operational disruptions following this incident.
Governor Moore also revealed that the ship’s crew had reported a power issue before the collision, which allowed some traffic to be stopped in time, averting further potential casualties. The ongoing investigation aims to piece together the events leading up to this disaster.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the bridge collapse, officials, including those from the FBI’s Baltimore office, have found no evidence suggesting a link to terrorism. The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to investigate, underscoring the seriousness with which this incident is being treated.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and other officials have reiterated the absence of any intentional act behind the collapse, focusing instead on the impact on the Port of Baltimore and ongoing rescue operations. Despite the challenges ahead, the resilience of Baltimore’s community and the dedication of its first responders shine as beacons of hope during this difficult time.