Early on Tuesday, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, a crucial link for East Coast shipping, suffered a partial collapse following a collision with a large cargo ship. The incident sparked a major emergency response as rescuers rushed to aid at least seven individuals who found themselves in the water.
Described by the Baltimore City Fire Department as a mass-casualty event, the collapse occurred after reports flooded in around 1:30 a.m., alerting authorities to the vessel striking the bridge. Kevin Cartwright, the Baltimore Fire Department’s communications director, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This is currently a mass casualty incident and we are searching for seven people who are in the river.”
Reports indicated that multiple vehicles plummeted into the river, with the ship itself catching fire, escalating the urgency of the situation. Baltimore Mayor Brendon Scott acknowledged the incident, reassuring the public that emergency personnel were actively engaged at the scene.
The collision involved a Singapore-flagged container ship named the Dali, according to ship tracking data. Managed by Synergy Marine Group, the vessel collided with one of the bridge’s pillars. Thankfully, all crew members, including two pilots, were safe, and no injuries were reported.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River, has been a vital artery since its opening in 1977. Named after the author of the “Star Spangled Banner,” it plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, with the port handling a significant volume of autos, light trucks, and various commodities.
As authorities work to manage the aftermath and investigate the cause of the incident, all lanes of the bridge remain closed, redirecting traffic and highlighting the immediate impact of the collapse on transportation in the region.
