In a tragic event in Baltimore, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning after being struck by a large cargo ship. This major span is critical to East Coast shipping and several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the impact, plunging into the Patapsco River below. Emergency responders rescued two people from the water, with one in serious condition and at least seven others believed to be in the water. The crew on the ship remains on the vessel as it needs to be assessed for damage before rescuers can board it.
Authorities have found no evidence indicating that the incident was intentional or involved terrorism, stating that it is an open investigation. Multiple agencies are coordinating a massive search using divers, helicopters, and sonar technology to locate vehicles submerged in the river. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and is working with federal resources to assist in the search and rescue efforts. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called the incident an unthinkable tragedy.
The container ship involved in the bridge collapse was a Singapore-flagged vessel named ‘Dali’ that collided with one of the bridge’s pillars. The ship, chartered by Maersk and owned by Singapore’s Grace Ocean Pte, was managed by Synergy Marine Group. Synergy Marine Corp confirmed that all crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for with no reported injuries. Vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice, although the port remains open for truck transports.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is advising drivers to take Interstate 95 or Interstate 895 as alternate routes to bypass the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge along Interstate 695. The bridge, which opened in 1977 and is named after the author of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” is a vital transportation artery for the region. It handles a significant amount of auto and truck traffic and is a crucial link for the port’s operations. The collapse of the bridge has disrupted traffic in the area, and alternate routes are being recommended to drivers in the aftermath of the incident.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge is the outermost of three major Patapsco River crossings at Baltimore Harbor and is known for its steel-arched design. The bridge has a total length of 8,636 feet and remains the second longest continuous-truss bridge span in the United States. The collapse of this important bridge has had a significant impact on transportation in the region and highlights the importance of infrastructure safety and maintenance. The investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse is ongoing, and efforts are underway to support those affected by this tragic incident.
