Tragedy Strikes: Baltimore Bridge Collapse Claims Lives of Six Construction Workers
In a devastating turn of events, six individuals are presumed dead after a large cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday morning. Despite extensive rescue efforts, only two of the individuals who fell into the water were recovered, leaving the fate of the remaining six uncertain.
According to reports from the Baltimore Banner, all six missing individuals were identified as construction workers who were on the bridge at the time of its collapse. Among them were two Guatemalan nationals and three Mexican nationals, confirmed by their respective foreign ministries. While one of the Mexican nationals was rescued, the whereabouts of the other two remain unknown. Additionally, citizens from El Salvador and Honduras were also among the missing, as confirmed by their governments.
Addressing the grim situation, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath expressed the unfortunate reality that the likelihood of finding any survivors diminishes with each passing moment. Transitioning from search and rescue to recovery operations, authorities are deploying surface ships overnight and plan to deploy divers at first light to conduct a thorough search.
James Wallace, chief of Baltimore’s fire department, described the incident as a "developing mass casualty event," highlighting the severity of the situation. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for prayers for the impacted families and gratitude for the first responders.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, efforts continue to recover the missing individuals and provide support to those affected by the bridge collapse.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has authorized the deployment of "everything from air, land, and sea resources" to ensure a comprehensive search and rescue operation following the tragic incident involving the collapse of part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Speaking about the immense task of rebuilding, United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the long and challenging road ahead. He underscored the commitment to rebuilding together, acknowledging the difficulties and costs involved.
The incident occurred when the Singapore-flagged 948 ft. Dali vessel crashed into a column supporting the bridge around 1:30 a.m. local time, resulting in the collapse and subsequent fire before sinking. Emergency services responded promptly, with the Baltimore City Fire Department receiving a water rescue call at 1:40 a.m. Governor Moore assured in a press conference that preliminary investigations found no credible evidence of a terrorist attack, a sentiment echoed by Baltimore Police, who stated there was no indication of intentional collision.
The ship's crew issued a distress call before the crash, allowing authorities to halt traffic on the bridge, potentially averting further casualties. Despite these efforts, several vehicles were on the bridge at the time of impact, with at least seven individuals believed to have fallen into the water. Fortunately, the Synergy Marine Group, managing the Dali, confirmed the safety of all crew members and pilots.
In the aftermath, commercial ships en route to the Baltimore port dropped anchors nearby as a precaution. Currently, all lanes on I-695 Key Bridge remain closed in both directions following the incident. Footage of the crash, initially shared by Streamtime Live, circulated widely on social media platforms, capturing the scale and devastation of the event.
As rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, the community mourns the loss and braces for the arduous task of recovery and reconstruction. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the importance of robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Amidst the chaos of the bridge collapse in Baltimore, harrowing footage circulated on social media, depicting fragments of the structure plummeting into the Patapsco River and vehicles tumbling from the collapsing bridge. Longer video clips hinted at power losses on the freighter before its collision with the bridge, offering glimpses into the events leading up to the disaster.
In response to the crisis, Governor Moore declared a state of emergency and mobilized resources from the Biden Administration to aid in rescue efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard spearheaded search and rescue operations for those still unaccounted for, utilizing advanced technology such as sonar, infrared technology, and underwater unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Despite challenges posed by tides and darkness, first responders persisted in their efforts to locate survivors.
Amidst the unfolding tragedy, details emerged about the rescued individuals, with one refusing treatment while another was transported to a trauma center in critical condition. President Biden, addressing the nation from the White House, pledged unwavering support for Baltimore, vowing federal assistance in the recovery process and the complete funding of the bridge's reconstruction.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery for East Coast shipping, holds historical significance as it is named after the renowned writer of The Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key. Built in 1977 at an estimated cost of $110 million, the bridge serves as a crucial lifeline, facilitating the passage of over 11 million vehicles annually and supporting the daily commute of 35,000 individuals.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the collective resolve to rebuild and restore normalcy remains steadfast, honoring the resilience and spirit of Baltimore amidst adversity.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the significance of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, describing it as an iconic landmark of American infrastructure deeply ingrained in the region's skyline. The vessel involved in the tragic collision, the Dali, chartered by shipping giant Maersk, was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka, carrying cargo when the incident occurred. While the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, the vessel sustained damage, as reported by a fire department official to CNBC. Notably, the Dali had been involved in a previous collision in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016, although no casualties were reported then.
Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, highlighted the agency's readiness to investigate the crash once search and rescue operations conclude, with experts poised to examine the ship's operations and safety records for insights into the incident's causes. The Dali, owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Group, confirmed the safety of its crew and expressed condolences to the victims.
As speculation swirls regarding the crash's cause, maritime experts like David McFarlane of Maritime Risk and Safety Consultants Ltd. suggested potential factors such as machinery failure or navigational error. However, definitive conclusions await the authorities' investigation. Toby Mottram, Emeritus Professor at the University of Warwick and Structural Engineer, provided insights into the collision's dynamics, highlighting the impact intensified by the vessel's considerable momentum.
The aftermath of the tragedy underscores the critical need for a comprehensive inquiry to prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations unfold, the maritime community awaits answers while grappling with the profound loss and implications of this devastating event.
Addressing concerns about the safety standards of the Baltimore Key Bridge, Toby Mottram, Emeritus Professor at the University of Warwick and Structural Engineer, highlighted potential limitations in its design, which may have struggled to accommodate the increased scale of ship movements in modern times. However, he emphasized that contemporary navigation technologies should have averted the vessel from colliding with the pier.
In Singapore, Chad de Guzman provided additional reporting on this matter.
Correction, March 26: The original version of this story incorrectly stated the year when Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was 1814, not 1914.
As discussions continue regarding the tragic incident involving the Baltimore Key Bridge, experts like Toby Mottram underscore the importance of assessing infrastructure capabilities in light of evolving transportation demands. The incident prompts a critical examination of safety protocols and navigational technologies to prevent future accidents. Additionally, the correction regarding the year of Francis Scott Key's composition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" ensures accuracy in historical references. As investigations proceed and corrective measures are implemented, the focus remains on enhancing safety measures and preserving the integrity of vital infrastructure for the well-being of communities and maritime operations alike.