Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Being Hit by Cargo Ship
Image Source: Washington Post
Early on March 26, a container ship called ‘Dali’ collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to fracture into multiple sections and collapse into the river below. Numerous vehicles plunged into the chilly waters as a result, prompting rescuers to initially search for at least seven individuals.
The vessel ‘Dali’ was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as its final destination, according to Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder. The ship was flying under a Singapore flag, WTOP radio station reported, citing Petty Officer Matthew West from the Coast Guard in Baltimore.
Under the Francis Scott Key Bridge, two individuals were rescued from the waters, with one in serious condition, as reported by Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. The cargo ship appears to have crashed into one of the bridge’s supports during the middle of the night when traffic would be expected to be lighter, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The vessel caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.
“Never would you think that you would see, physically see, the Key Bridge tumble down like that. It looked like something out of an action movie,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”
The fire chief mentioned that authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people,” although he noted that this figure could fluctuate. It remained uncertain whether the two individuals who were rescued were part of the seven originally mentioned.
Sonar readings have indicated the presence of vehicles in the water, with temperatures around 8 degrees Celsius recorded in the early hours of Tuesday, as reported by a buoy gathering data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Earlier statements from Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, conveyed that several vehicles, including one as large as a tractor-trailer truck, were on the bridge at the time of the incident. Cartwright further added that some cargo seemed to be hanging from the bridge, which extends over the Patapsco River at the entrance to a bustling harbor. This river serves as a pathway to the Port of Baltimore, a significant shipping hub on the East Coast. Named in honor of the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the bridge was inaugurated in 1977.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and affirmed efforts to deploy federal resources. The FBI was also present at the scene. Synergy Marine Group, the owner and manager of the vessel named the “Dali,” verified that the ship collided with a bridge pillar around 1:30 a.m. while under the control of two pilots. The company confirmed that all crew members, including the pilots, have been located and there are no reports of injuries.
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