In the early hours of Tuesday in Baltimore, a dramatic incident unfolded when a container ship lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The impact was so severe that it caused the bridge to collapse into the river below, taking with it a construction crew and several vehicles into the frigid waters. Despite the swift response from rescuers who managed to save two individuals, six people remained unaccounted for.
The vessel had issued a distress signal just moments before the catastrophe, which allowed authorities to halt traffic on the bridge, significantly reducing the potential for further casualties. Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the quick actions of those who responded to the emergency, acknowledging their role in preventing a greater tragedy.
The collision, which saw the ship striking a bridge support, led to the bridge’s rapid collapse, an event that was captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms. The aftermath of the crash left the ship ablaze, with thick smoke billowing into the sky.
Governor Moore highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the ship was moving at a high speed towards the bridge, leaving authorities with just enough time to prevent vehicles from crossing. The incident occurred well before the morning rush hour, sparing the bridge from its usual heavy traffic.
Among those missing were members of a construction crew who had been working on the bridge, filling potholes when the disaster struck. The state’s transportation secretary, Paul Wiedefeld, confirmed that one of the rescued individuals had been hospitalized.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the scene as reminiscent of an action movie, expressing shock at the sight of the Key Bridge collapsing in such a dramatic fashion. He referred to the event as an “unthinkable tragedy.”
The collapse of the bridge is expected to have significant logistical repercussions, disrupting ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore and causing extensive delays in cargo and commuter traffic along the East Coast. State Senator Johnny Ray Salling emphasized the devastating impact the loss of the bridge would have on the area and the broader East Coast.
Authorities have deployed sonar to detect vehicles submerged in the water, which is approximately 50 feet deep. The water temperature was reported to be around 47 degrees Fahrenheit, adding to the urgency of the rescue efforts.
The ship involved in the incident, managed by Synergy Marine Group and owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., was navigating under the guidance of local pilots at the time of the collision. All crew members and pilots aboard the ship were accounted for, with no injuries reported.
This incident marks a significant moment in the history of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery for the Port of Baltimore and a key link for the East Coast’s shipping and transportation network. The full extent of the impact on local and regional logistics, as well as the ongoing search and rescue efforts, will continue to unfold in the coming days.