A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, known as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, experienced a partial collapse early Tuesday morning. The bridge carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan area. There were reports of workers possibly in the river below the collapsed portion of the bridge. Baltimore police were notified of the incident at 1:35 a.m., and emergency response agencies were contacted for further details. The Maryland Transport Authority confirmed that the I-695 was shut down due to the Key Bridge collapsing following a “ship strike.”
The Key Bridge, built in 1977 and named after the author of the American national anthem, is an enormous steel structure spanning over 8,500 feet or 1.2 miles in total. Its main section spans 1,200 feet and was once one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. was aware of the incident and in communication with local officials, urging people to pray for those impacted. The U.S. Coast Guard was also contacted for assistance. The bridge collapse was a developing story, and updates were expected as the situation unfolded.
The bridge collapse had significant implications, as it resulted in the closure of the I-695 and potentially left workers in the water below. The exact cause of the collapse was reported to be a “ship strike,” indicating that a vessel may have collided with the bridge. The incident raised concerns about the safety of the infrastructure and the potential impact on transportation routes in the area. Authorities were working to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of any individuals affected by the collapse.
Emergency response teams were mobilized to the scene to assess the situation and assist in potential rescue efforts. The bridge collapse was a serious incident that required coordinated efforts from various agencies to address the immediate safety concerns and plan for the necessary repairs. The closure of the I-695 caused disruptions to the local traffic flow, and measures were taken to manage the impact on commuters and travelers in the area. The unfolding developments highlighted the importance of maintaining and inspecting critical infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the story continued to evolve, updates were expected to provide more information on the extent of the damage, the status of any individuals involved, and the timeline for restoring the bridge to operational status. The Key Bridge collapse underscored the challenges of managing aging infrastructure and ensuring the safety of transportation networks. The incident also served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response capabilities in handling emergencies that can have a significant impact on communities. Authorities were working diligently to address the aftermath of the collapse and minimize any further disruptions to the local area.
