In a shocking incident that unfolded under the cover of darkness on a Tuesday, a container ship collided with the four-lane Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a catastrophic collapse. The disaster sent both vehicles and people plummeting into the depths of the Patapsco River, sparking a frantic rescue operation.
Amid the chaos, rescuers were able to pull two survivors from the icy waters, with one reported to be in serious condition. Search efforts continued, as crews combed the river for additional victims among the remains of the 1.6-mile bridge that once spanned the canal.
According to reports from ABC NewsAccording to an unclassified US intelligence document, the ship experienced a propulsion failure while leaving port, resulting in a loss of control. This critical loss of navigation was reported to Maryland authorities by the ship’s crew as they dealt with the developing emergency.
In the incident, a substantial number of vehicles, estimated by Baltimore officials to be at least seven, sank into the murky depths of the river. Initial reports from Kevin Cartwright, spokesman for the Baltimore City Fire Department, suggested the possibility of up to 20 people being trapped in the river’s grip, accompanied by numerous vehicles, including one the size of a tractor-trailer.
Described as a mass casualty event involving multiple agencies, the response to this disaster was expected to span several days, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy. Footage from witnesses captured the chilling moment the ship crashed into the bridge, illuminating the darkness with the headlights of vehicles that fell into the water, as flames engulfed the ship.
This tragic event marked one of the The most serious bridge collapses in the United States since the 2007 disaster in Minneapolis, where the I-35W bridge fell into the Mississippi River, claiming 13 lives. In response to the emergency, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, facilitating the rapid mobilization of federal resources to address the crisis. Despite the horrific nature of the incident, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said there was no evidence to suggest an act of terrorism.
The Port of Baltimore, a crucial hub for shipping vehicles and other important cargo, was forced to halt operations indefinitely. The collision not only disrupted the flow of goods but also raised concerns about the potential impact on other vessels and the overall functionality of the port.
Identified as Dalí, the Container ship with Singapore flag involved in the collision was under the management of Synergy Marine Group and chartered by prominent shipping company Maersk at the time of the incident. Both the ship’s crew and pilots were accounted for, and no injuries were reported among them, providing a ray of hope amid the devastation.
The port, known for handling a wide range of imports and exports, including cars and agricultural machinery, had to assess the full extent of the damage. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major artery for transportation and commerce since its opening in 1977, posed a substantial setback for the region, highlighting the critical importance of infrastructure safety and emergency preparedness.