The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with a container ship, sparking a major emergency operation.
In the early hours of Tuesday in Baltimore, Maryland, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with the Singapore-flagged container ship named Dali. The incident, occurring at around 1:30 am local time, resulted in at least seven individuals being tossed into the water, with two subsequently rescued but the others remaining unaccounted for.
The collapse disrupted traffic on the Interstate 695 highway, which runs across the river, causing significant concern given the bridge’s role as a vital transportation link. The Dali, which is operated by Synergy Marine Group for Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping company, was leaving Baltimore en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Despite the severity of the incident, all crew members aboard the Dali were reported safe.
Emergency services, including the Baltimore Fire Department and local authorities, initiated a mass-casualty response, deploying rescue efforts to aid those impacted by the collapse. The operation involved searching for the missing individuals using sonar to detect submerged vehicles in the river.
The event has drawn significant attention from both local and national officials, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore declaring a state of emergency and the White House monitoring the situation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision and have noted that there is no current indication of terrorism involved in this incident.
The port of Baltimore, a key hub on the US east coast, and the broader maritime community have been reminded of the risks associated with shipping and the critical importance of safety protocols in preventing such tragic occurrences.