The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses following a collision with a Singapore-flagged vessel, leading to the presumed deaths of six workers and raising alarms over potential disruptions in global supply chains.
In a tragic incident early on Tuesday morning in Baltimore, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed following a collision with a Singapore-flagged vessel, The Dali, resulting in the presumed deaths of six construction workers. These workers, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador, had been repairing potholes on the bridge at the time. The crash not only led to a sizable infrastructure disaster but also sparked concerns over potential disruptions in global supply chains, especially affecting the Port of Baltimore which plays a crucial role in car exports from the US.
As rescue efforts commenced, authorities managed to rescue two individuals from the frigid waters, with one reported in serious condition. The Baltimore Fire Chief confirmed the rescue operations while the FBI ruled out terrorism, stating the crash was not intentional. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott declared the event an “unthinkable tragedy,” underscoring the city’s focus on rescue and recovery efforts.
The incident drew widespread attention and criticism, particularly towards Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, who faced backlash for attempting to link the collapse to President Joe Biden’s immigration policies—an assertion strongly refuted by critics citing her claims as baseless.
President Biden has since promised swift action to rebuild the bridge, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to cover the reconstruction costs and acknowledging the significant impact the collapse will have on international trade and local economies. His administration’s efforts aim to minimize the disruption to global supply chains, notably affecting major automotive sectors in the US, UK, and EU.
The first of the six victims identified was 49-year-old Miguel Luna from El Salvador, marking a deeply personal loss for the community and bringing the human cost of the disaster to the forefront. As investigations continue, the focus remains on recovering the missing workers and assessing the extensive implications of the bridge’s collapse on both the local community and the broader implications for trade and transportation infrastructure.