In the early hours of a fateful morning, the city of Baltimore was struck by a calamitous event as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, an iconic span over the Patapsco River and a crucial component of the Interstate 695, tragically collapsed after a collision with a large cargo ship. The incident, which has resulted in a frantic search and rescue operation for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water, has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted immediate action from emergency services.
Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department, described the scene as a “developing mass casualty event,” emphasizing the urgent need for rescue and recovery efforts. “This is a dire emergency,” Cartwright stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
At around 1:30 am local time, the unthinkable happened when the Singapore-flagged cargo ship, Dali, collided with the bridge, known locally as the Key Bridge, causing a substantial segment of the 1.6-mile-long structure to come crashing down into the river below. The collapse was captured on video, revealing vehicles plummeting from the bridge as part of it disintegrated.
Matthew West, a petty officer first class for the Coast Guard in Baltimore, informed The New York Times that the Coast Guard received a report of an impact at 1.27am ET.
Rescue efforts were quickly mobilized, with Baltimore’s mayor, Brandon M. Scott, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, stating that emergency personnel were on the scene and that operations were actively underway.
The Maryland Transportation Authority announced the immediate closure of all lanes on Interstate 695, rerouting traffic around the site of the calamity. The Key Bridge, built in 1977 and recognized as one of the world’s longest continuous truss bridges, now lies partially submerged, a stark testament to the sudden and violent forces that can upend the structures we often take for granted.
Authorities have been tight-lipped about the full extent of the casualties or injuries but have confirmed that the primary focus remains on the rescue and recovery of those missing. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the heart of Baltimore’s community beats with urgency and determination as the city confronts a tragedy that has literally severed one of its lifelines.
The coastguard, along with other emergency responders, are continuing their efforts, their actions guided by the hope of finding survivors in the aftermath of such an unexpected and destructive event.
Relevant articles:
– Baltimore bridge collapses after being hit by ship
– Live updates: Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses after ship collision, CNN, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:45:21 GMT
– Baltimore bridge collapses after boat collision, The Guardian US, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:41:00 GMT
– Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses into water after being hit by cargo ship, The Independent, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:14:48 GMT