In a gripping update from a Tuesday morning press conference, Coast Guard officials reported that six individuals are still missing following the catastrophic collapse of a bridge. The relentless search efforts persist at the disaster site, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Remarkably, two individuals were successfully rescued from the harrowing scene, with one requiring hospitalization before being released, as confirmed by authorities. At the time of the tragic incident, construction workers were actively addressing potholes on the bridge, a detail shared by Governor Wes Moore.
An evocative image captures a poignant moment: an injured sailor from the Dali cargo vessel being meticulously transferred to an ambulance after being rescued from the ship, in the wake of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, dated March 26, 2024.
Governor Moore expressed his shock and sorrow over the incident, stating, “To hear the words that the Key Bridge has collapsed, it’s shocking and heartbreaking. It’s not just unprecedented, what we’re seeing today — it’s heartbreaking.” He further clarified that the collapse seems to be an unfortunate accident, with no evidence suggesting any ties to terrorism, as per the FBI.
In a concerning development, officials noted that the container ship involved was traveling at a speed of 8 knots, considered to be fast under the circumstances. A Coast Guard memo revealed that the harbor pilot and an assistant aboard the cargo ship reported experiencing power issues, multiple alarms, and a loss of propulsion leading up to the collapse. Thankfully, all personnel on the tanker were accounted for, with no injuries reported.
The incident has resulted in the complete blockage of the Patapsco River channel, causing a significant disruption with approximately five inbound and seven outbound vessels waiting in the queue over the next 24 hours.
Adding to the visual narrative, another image shows the steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge dramatically resting atop a container ship after the collision in Baltimore, on March 26, 2024.
Officials have assured that the bridge was compliant with all regulations, underscoring the unexpected nature of this disaster.