Sx individuals are now presumed dead following the collapse of the landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge after a container ship collision, on Tuesday, March 26 2024.
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The tragic event unfolded as the Singapore-flagged container ship, Dali, struck a support column on the 47-year-old bridge around 01:30 local time, causing a catastrophic collapse.
Several vehicles were traversing the bridge at the time of the collision, which spans over 2.6 kilometers, leaving a scene of chaos and destruction in its wake.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with boats and helicopters deployed to search for the missing individuals. Two individuals were pulled from the water, with one in critical condition.
However, Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath of the US Coast Guard announced that the remaining missing persons are presumed dead, based on the circumstances of the incident.
The missing individuals were part of a construction crew tasked with repairing potholes on the bridge, highlighting the tragic toll that this disaster has taken on those working to maintain critical infrastructure.
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Authorities have revealed that the container ship experienced a “power issue” as it departed from the Port Breeze terminal, resulting in a distress call to Maryland transport officials.
Despite efforts to avert a collision, the ship collided with a support column of the bridge, leading to its collapse.
Maryland state governor Wes Moore confirmed that the crew had notified authorities of the power issue prior to the collision, underscoring the urgency of addressing potential safety concerns in maritime operations.
In the aftermath of this unthinkable tragedy, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott emphasized the paramount importance of prioritizing the rescue operation and ensuring the safety of those impacted by the incident.
Meanwhile, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld stated that engineers are assessing the structural integrity of the bridge to determine the extent of the damage caused by the collapse.
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