On Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was struck by a large cargo vessel, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. It was the second-longest bridge in the Baltimore metropolitan area, after the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. The bridge was 8,636 feet (2,632 m) long and carried an estimated 11.5 million vehicles annually. The accident has resulted in the shutdown of a vital East Coast shipping route.
During a news conference, James Wallace, chief of the Baltimore City Fire Department, explained that at approximately 1:30 a.m., a vessel departing from the Port of Baltimore collided with the Key Bridge, resulting in its rapid collapse. Video footage depicts the cargo ship colliding with one of the bridge's columns, causing it to break and fall into the water. Parts of the bridge landed on the ship, generating a burst of flames and smoke visible against the backdrop of the night sky. However, as per the report, all the 22 Indian crew members on ship are safe.
Numerous vehicles were traversing the bridge when the collision occurred, causing them to plunge into the Patapsco River. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld mentioned that several contractors were also present on the bridge, engaged in repairing potholes at the time of the incident.
Authorities reported a significant search operation in progress for six construction workers who were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Wallace reported that during the initial search efforts, two individuals were rescued. One person emerged unharmed, while the other is currently in "very serious condition," according to him. Additionally, Wallace stated that the crew members who were aboard the ship during the collision are still on board. Before rescuers can board the vessel, it requires assessment for any damage incurred during the incident.
According to a senior U.S. official speaking to USA TODAY, it appears that the ship experienced a power loss a few minutes before colliding with the bridge. The source noted that incidents similar to this, termed Marine Casualties, are not rare occurrences. They mentioned that incidents known as allisions, where a ship strikes a stationary object, happen approximately every ten years. Investigating the cause of the power loss will be a top priority and may be linked to mechanical failure.
During a news conference, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stated that initial investigations suggest the incident was "an accident" rather than an intentional act of terror. However, he refrained from offering additional details at that time.
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