In the early hours, a dramatic event unfolded as the cargo ship Dali, en route to Sri Lanka, collided with Baltimore’s iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge. This incident, occurring around 1:30 a.m., was the result of the ship losing power and striking a bridge support, leading to a significant portion of the steel structure plummeting into the water below. In the wake of this accident, a mayday call was issued, signaling the urgent need for assistance.
Nearly 12 hours following the collision, a search-and-rescue operation has been mobilized to locate six individuals reported missing. The urgency of this mission underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential human cost of this disaster.
From the White House, President Biden addressed the nation, expressing his commitment to ensuring that the federal government would shoulder the financial burden of reconstructing the Key Bridge. This pledge reflects the critical importance of the bridge, not just as a piece of infrastructure, but as a vital artery for the region’s transportation network.
During a press briefing on Tuesday morning, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld provided an update on the situation. According to Wiedefeld, eight people were present on the bridge at the time of the incident, with two individuals since accounted for. This update offers a glimmer of hope, even as the search for the remaining missing persons continues.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, speaking at the same news conference, remarked on the personal connection many residents have with the bridge. “So many of us know that bridge because it is our normal commute,” he said, highlighting the bridge’s significance in the daily lives of thousands.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a fixture on Interstate 695 since its inauguration in 1977, is named after the author of the national anthem and serves as a critical conduit for tens of thousands of vehicles each day. The disruption caused by this accident not only impacts the structural integrity of the bridge but also the lives of countless individuals who depend on it for their daily commute.
For continuous updates and live coverage of this unfolding story, stay tuned. The community holds its breath as efforts to address the aftermath of this catastrophe and the search for the missing individuals proceed.