On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after a cargo ship named Dali crashed into the span. The 1.6-mile bridge carries Interstate 695 and crosses the Patapsco River. The collision, which was captured on a livestream, occurred after the ship lost power and headed toward a support pillar of the bridge. Several construction workers and vehicles on the bridge plunged into the river as the structure crumbled.
The timeline of events on the day of the collapse is as follows: Dali, a large container ship, left Baltimore Harbor on its way to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Minutes before 1:30 a.m., the ship lost power and began heading towards the bridge. At 1:26 a.m., a mayday call was issued, alerting authorities to the impending disaster. By 1:28 a.m., the ship struck a support pillar on the bridge, causing it to collapse into the river. Emergency crews were dispatched for what was initially believed to be a partial bridge collapse.
By 1:50 a.m., first responders arrived on the scene and reported a complete collapse of the bridge. The Maryland Transportation Authority announced the closure of all lanes on I-695 in both directions. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered the Department of Transportation’s support, while Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency. The National Transportation Safety Board also arrived at the scene to investigate the cause of the collapse.
At 6:30 a.m., Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace announced that two victims had been rescued from the water, with one in critical condition. Unfortunately, search and rescue efforts for six construction workers were suspended at 7:30 p.m. as authorities believed they would not be found alive. Divers were expected to continue their search the following day. The impact of the collapse on traffic, the local economy, and the shipping industry is yet to be fully determined.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, built in 1977, sees around 31,000 vehicles pass over it daily. The collapse of the bridge is expected to cause temporary traffic delays for locals and impact the flow of goods through the Baltimore Port, a major route for vehicle shipments, agricultural equipment, and cruise lines. With three major cruise lines sailing from the Port of Baltimore, adjustments will need to be made to their routes. The full extent of the impact of the collapse is still unknown, and efforts to assess and address the aftermath are ongoing.
