In a devastating incident early Tuesday, a massive cargo ship departing from the Port of Baltimore experienced a power failure, leading to a mayday distress call. Tragically, the vessel struck a key bridge, resulting in its collapse into the river below. While the exact circumstances are under investigation, officials acted swiftly upon the distress call, managing to halt traffic and initiate evacuation procedures before the bridge’s collapse.
As emergency responders continue search and rescue efforts, the focus remains on locating six construction workers who were working on the bridge at the time of the collision. Despite initial concerns, the timely warning from the distressed vessel enabled authorities to prevent potential casualties by stopping traffic on the bridge.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in response to the incident, coordinating closely with federal authorities, including U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision and subsequent bridge collapse.
The cargo vessel involved in the incident, named the Dali, is a Singapore-flagged ship measuring 948 feet in length. While all crew members aboard the vessel were unharmed, the bridge collision has raised questions about the vessel’s propulsion system, with a previous inspection citing deficiencies related to gauges and thermometers.
Named after Francis Scott Key, the author of the American national anthem, the Francis Scott Key Bridge has been a vital transportation artery since its opening in 1977. With approximately 30,000 commuters relying on the bridge daily, the incident has underscored the importance of ensuring infrastructure safety and resilience.
President Biden has pledged federal support for recovery efforts, emphasizing the need to rebuild and reopen the Port of Baltimore to maritime traffic. As the investigation unfolds and recovery operations continue, our thoughts remain with the affected individuals and their families, and we stand united in efforts to address the aftermath of this tragic incident.
