Authorities in Baltimore are still investigating the ship crash that caused the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard revealed that the ship was undergoing routine engine maintenance before the incident but did not communicate any existing problems. Currently, divers are searching for missing individuals, and families from Central America and Mexico are grieving the loss of their loved ones. Survivors of past bridge collapses have shared their experiences, and companies are working to reroute cargo due to the port closure. A historical list of major U.S. bridge collapses caused by ships and barges is being reviewed to provide context to the current situation.
The recovery efforts at the site of the bridge collapse have resulted in the discovery of two bodies from a red pickup truck in the Patapsco River. Maryland State Police Superintendent confirmed that the victims were a 35-year-old and a 26-year-old, and six missing construction workers are presumed to be from Central American countries. Governor Wes Moore has expressed his support to the families in Spanish and is closely examining the damage caused by the collapse. The governor, along with federal and local officials, boarded a Coast Guard ship to understand the incident better and express gratitude to first responders.
The story of one of the missing construction workers has been shared by his brother, describing him as a joyful individual with dreams of retiring in Honduras. The missing worker had been in the U.S. for 18 years and was known for his optimism and vision for the future. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the need for bipartisan support in Baltimore’s recovery efforts, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure as a shared responsibility. Singapore announced plans to conduct its investigation into the bridge collapse, in addition to supporting U.S. authorities in their probe.
Buttigieg has not provided a timeline for bridge replacement or port reopening, noting that the damaged ship contains hazardous materials but poses no immediate threat to public safety. The Biden administration is focused on reopening the port, addressing supply chain issues, rebuilding the bridge, and enhancing surface transportation. Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau will independently investigate the incident to draw lessons for the future. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador highlighted the contributions of migrant workers, acknowledging the risks they undertake in pursuit of employment opportunities.
The recovery operation has been challenging, with only one truck recovered from the water so far, while at least one vehicle remains hanging from the collapsed bridge. Divers have been praised for their efforts in challenging conditions, navigating through darkness and mangled metal to locate possible victims. The investigation into the ship’s history revealed a previous problem with the fuel heater’s pressure gauges during an inspection in 2023, which was rectified before the ship left the Chilean port. The efforts to rebuild the bridge and reopen the port are ongoing, with federal support being mobilized to expedite the process and address the aftermath of the tragic incident.
