In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a catastrophic event unfolded in Baltimore when the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital 1.6-mile-long structure, succumbed to a collapse. This incident occurred following a collision with a container ship, prompting officials to declare it a “mass casualty incident.”
As the city grapples with the aftermath, emergency response teams, including specialized dive units, are fervently searching for at least seven individuals believed to be missing in the chilling waters below. This figure, however, remains tentative and may rise as the search progresses, according to the Associated Press. Amidst the chaos, two individuals were miraculously rescued from the icy grip of the water. One of them emerged unscathed, while the other required urgent medical attention and was transported to the hospital in a serious condition, as stated by Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace.
Chief Wallace emphasized the ongoing nature of the search and rescue efforts, assuring the public that these operations will persist for the foreseeable future.
During a press briefing, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld revealed that at the time of the disaster, contractors were actively working on the bridge. However, details regarding the number of workers present on the bridge at the moment of impact remain undisclosed.
Eyewitness footage capturing the moment of the collapse shows the container ship making contact with one of the bridge’s supports, leading to the catastrophic failure of the structure.
The vessel responsible for the accident is operated by the Danish shipping giant Maersk, as confirmed by the company to CNN. Named Dali, the ship was en route to Sri Lanka, laden with cargo belonging to Maersk’s clients. In response to the tragedy, Maersk issued a statement expressing their horror at the events in Baltimore and extending their sympathies to all those affected.
Baltimore Police Chief Richard Worley addressed speculations surrounding the incident, firmly stating that there is no evidence to suggest any act of terrorism or deliberate wrongdoing.
Further footage of the incident reveals a dramatic moment just before the collision, where the ship’s lights extinguish as it approaches the bridge.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a crucial component of Interstate 695, also known as the Baltimore Beltway, serving as a major artery over the Patapsco River.
The White House has announced that it is closely monitoring the situation, with current information indicating no foul play involved in the bridge’s collapse.
This story is still unfolding, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.