Early Tuesday morning, a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, resulting in a section of the bridge collapsing into the river below. The impact caused several vehicles to plunge into the water, prompting a rescue operation to search for survivors.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, with reports indicating that the cargo ship lost propulsion as it was departing from port. Crew members onboard alerted Maryland officials about their loss of control, raising the possibility of a collision with the bridge.
Witnesses described the shocking scene as the bridge support gave way upon impact, causing the structure to crumble and fall into the water within seconds. The vessel itself caught fire, emitting thick black smoke visible from afar.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott termed the incident an “unthinkable tragedy,” expressing disbelief at witnessing the Key Bridge collapse. Fire Chief James Wallace indicated that there could be up to seven individuals unaccounted for, although precise figures were not immediately available.
Sonar technology detected submerged vehicles in the water, indicating the potential scope of the incident. The bridge collapse occurred during the nighttime hours, resulting in lighter traffic compared to daytime.
Synergy Marine Group, the owner of the ship involved, confirmed the collision and stated that all crew members, including two pilots onboard, were safe with no reported injuries.
As daylight broke, remnants of the collapsed bridge could be seen protruding from the water’s surface. Cargo from the bridge appeared to be dangling, highlighting the severity of the situation.
In response to the incident, Maryland declared a state of emergency, with efforts underway to deploy federal resources. While the FBI ruled out terrorism, President Joe Biden was briefed on the situation.
The container ship, named the Dali, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, under a Singapore flag. Danish shipping company Maersk, which chartered the vessel, reported no personnel on board and noted a decline in its share prices following the incident.
This incident evokes memories of a similar transportation disaster in 2001 when a freight train derailment and subsequent fire disrupted traffic in downtown Baltimore.
