Six individuals are presumed dead following the collapse of a significant portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The collapse occurred after a cargo ship, experiencing a power issue, collided with a bridge pillar early Tuesday morning.
The bridge, a vital artery for Interstate 695 traffic over the Patapsco River, now lies in ruins. Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with teams searching for survivors among the debris and in the frigid waters below. The incident not only claimed lives but also disrupted one of the nation’s busiest ports, prompting Maryland Governor Wes Moore to declare a state of emergency.
As the community grapples with the shock, Governor Moore has assured the public that the bridge was fully up to code and that the collapse appears to be an accident, not an act of terrorism. The cargo ship, identified as the Dali, issued a mayday call moments before the impact, which was captured on dramatic video footage.
Two individuals were rescued from the water; one refused treatment while the other sustained serious injuries and is receiving care at a trauma center. The search for the missing workers, who were conducting repairs on the bridge at the time of the collapse, continues with urgency.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is closely monitoring the situation, and a team from the National Transportation Safety Board is on-site to investigate the cause of the disaster.
President Joe Biden is expected to address the nation regarding the ongoing rescue operations and the implications of this tragedy.
By Salam Bustanji
