On March 26, 2024, over midnight, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali, which was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, flying under a Singapore flag.
An official reports that the ship which collided with the Baltimore bridge experienced a “power issue.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a state of emergency following a bridge collapse, with over 20 individuals reported missing. The Key Bridge, which sees approximately 11.5 million vehicles pass annually, is affected.
The impact of the collision caused multiple spans of the 1.6-mile-long bridge spanning the Patapsco River to collapse, resulting in several vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, falling into the river.
Emergency responders, including the Baltimore Fire Department, immediately initiated a rescue operation upon receiving a report of the collision from the US Coast Guard. At least seven individuals were believed to be in the water, prompting search efforts.
The incident led to extensive traffic congestion in the area, prompting the Maryland Transportation Authority to advise motorists to seek alternative routes and avoid the affected bridge.
Investigations into the cause of the accident are underway, with initial speculation suggesting that the cargo ship may have struck one of the bridge supports.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has caused substantial disruptions to local traffic, impacting the flow of approximately 11.5 million vehicles that cross it each year. Assessments of the damage and casualties are ongoing, as the extent of the incident continues to unfold.
The US Coast Guard, Baltimore Fire Department, and other emergency responders continue to work diligently on the rescue and recovery efforts for those affected by the bridge collapse, highlighting the inherent risks associated with transportation infrastructure.
