Baltimore’s Key Bridge Collapses as Cargo Ship Collides with it

A container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing a major section of the bridge to collapse and vehicles to fall into the river below. Rescuers were searching for survivors, with two people already rescued, one in serious condition. Authorities were possibly looking for up to seven people, though the number could change. The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, and the incident was described as a “developing mass casualty event” by officials.

The cargo ship collided with one of the bridge’s supports, causing it to snap and buckle at multiple points, leading to its rapid descent into the water. The shocking spectacle of the bridge collapsing was captured on video and shared on social media, with the vessel also catching fire and emitting thick black smoke. The temperature of the water was around 47 degrees Fahrenheit, and sonar indicated the presence of vehicles in the river. The collapse occurred during the early hours of the morning when traffic on the bridge was expected to be lighter.

The Baltimore Fire Department confirmed that several vehicles, including a tractor-trailer truck, were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. The incident occurred near the entrance to a busy harbor and the Port of Baltimore, a crucial hub for shipping on the East Coast. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and sought federal resources to assist with the emergency response. The FBI also responded to the scene to investigate the incident.

The Synergy Marine Group, which owns and manages the container ship named the Dali, reported that the vessel hit a bridge pillar while under the control of two pilots. All crew members, including the pilots, were safe, and there were no reports of injuries. The Dali was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, flying under a Singapore flag. In 2001, Baltimore experienced a similar incident when a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel, causing fires and black smoke.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has shocked residents and officials alike, with Mayor Brandon Scott describing it as an “unthinkable tragedy.” The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers inherent in shipping and transportation infrastructure, with efforts underway to assess the damage, search for potential survivors, and ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The response to the incident will involve coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to address the aftermath of the collapse and prevent similar incidents in the future.

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