Tragedy Strikes Baltimore Bridge: Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Cargo Ship Collision
Baltimore, MD (March 27, 2024) – A major tragedy unfolded in Baltimore early Tuesday morning as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery carrying Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, partially collapsed after being struck by a large cargo ship. The incident, which sent vehicles and people plummeting into the water, has left a city in mourning and transportation officials scrambling for solutions.
Cause of the Collapse:
The culprit of this disaster appears to be the Singapore-flagged container ship, the MV Dali. According to authorities, the vessel lost propulsion and slammed into a support pillar of the bridge at approximately 1:28 AM EDT. The impact caused the bridge’s central span to give way, tragically taking lives and causing significant damage.
Search and Rescue Efforts:
The U.S. Coast Guard, along with local emergency responders, launched a swift search and rescue operation. Sadly, the focus shifted to recovery efforts later in the day as the harsh reality of the situation set in. Six members of a construction crew working on the bridge at the time of the collapse are presumed dead. Two other crew members were pulled from the water, and one sustained critical injuries.
Ongoing Investigation:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is on the scene conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. One key area of focus will likely be the cause of the ship’s power loss and its adherence to safety protocols while navigating the harbor. The ship’s history, including a previous collision in Belgium in 2016, will also be scrutinized.
Impact on Baltimore:
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has had a devastating impact on Baltimore. The bridge closure has caused major traffic disruptions, with frustrated commuters facing detours through the already congested Fort McHenry and Baltimore Harbor tunnels. The Port of Baltimore, a crucial economic hub for the city and region, is also facing delays as officials grapple with rerouting cargo ships.
Moving Forward: The city of Baltimore is left to pick up the pieces from this tragedy. The families of the deceased are facing unimaginable grief, and the injured are struggling to recover. Beyond the human cost, the city must now focus on the monumental task of rebuilding the bridge and restoring normalcy to traffic flow and the Port of Baltimore’s operations.
