The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, sparking a mass casualty event and highlighting critical infrastructure vulnerabilities.
On the morning of Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, experienced a catastrophic collapse into the Patapsco River after being struck by the container ship Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel. The bridge, which is 47 years old, was hit as the ship was departing Baltimore for Colombo, Sri Lanka. The collision resulted in the dramatic plunge of several vehicles into the river, with emergency services launching a rescue operation for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water.
The Baltimore Fire Department described the situation as a “developing mass casualty event,” and video evidence of the incident has circulated widely on social media, showing the vessel colliding with the bridge’s support pillar, leading to the collapse. The Maryland Transportation Authority has since closed all lanes of the bridge in both directions, redirecting traffic along I-695.
Mayor Brandon M Scott and Baltimore City Fire Department Chief Kevin Cartwright confirmed the emergency response underway, with support from the U.S. Coast Guard and other Maryland agencies. The incident has been highlighted as a significant reminder of the potential hazards associated with waterway navigation and the fragility of critical infrastructure.