In the early hours of Tuesday, the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore met a catastrophic fate as it succumbed to a collapse. This unfortunate event was triggered by a collision with a large container ship, resulting in vehicles and potentially individuals being plunged into the chilly waters of the Patapsco River, as confirmed by authorities.
The incident, which unfolded dramatically, was captured in a gripping visual that showcases the portion of the bridge that gave way on March 26, 2024. The image, courtesy of Harford County, Maryland Fire & EMS, serves as a stark reminder of the bridge’s sudden demise.
As the news broke, CNN reported that Kevin Cartwright, the communications director for the Baltimore City Fire Department, revealed that the water was teeming with as many as 20 people and multiple vehicles. This was corroborated by earlier statements to CBS News, indicating that emergency calls began pouring in around 1:30 a.m., reporting that a vessel had struck a bridge column. Among the vehicles caught in the disaster was a significant tractor-trailer.
The scene quickly escalated to a “mass casualty event,” with the department’s dive and rescue team springing into action to locate those in the river. Cartwright described the situation to The Associated Press as a “dire emergency,” with some cargo hanging precariously from the bridge. The presence of diesel fuel in the water around the ship and reports of construction workers on the bridge at the time added to the urgency of the response.
A Baltimore police spokesperson confirmed a “partial bridge collapse,” with the possibility of workers being in the water. The MidAtlantic Coast Guard identified the vessel involved as the 948-foot Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali, which was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The aftermath of the collision saw the ship catching fire and sinking, as reported by The AP. Meanwhile, Reuters conveyed that the ship’s owner, Synergy Marine Group, was investigating the cause of the collision. Fortunately, all crew members were accounted for, and there were no reports of injuries among them.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott took to social media to announce his immediate response to the incident, assuring that emergency personnel were on the scene and efforts to address the situation were underway. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. also expressed his concern, urging the community to pray for those impacted.
In the wake of the collapse, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced the closure of all lanes in both directions on I-695 Key Bridge, with traffic being rerouted to I-95 and I-895. The Patapsco River, a vital artery for East Coast shipping and home to the Port of Baltimore, now bears the scars of this tragedy.
The bridge, named in honor of the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has stood since 1977 as a symbol of resilience and history. Its collapse marks a somber chapter in Baltimore’s storied relationship with its waterways and infrastructure.