Early on a Tuesday morning, a catastrophic event unfolded as a container ship collided with the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge near Baltimore, resulting in the bridge’s near-total collapse.
The accident led to several vehicles on the bridge at the time plummeting into the River Patapsco, sparking an urgent search for an estimated 7 to 20 individuals presumed to be in the water. In response to this disaster, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency.
The Key Bridge, celebrated for its connection to Francis Scott Key, the poet behind the U.S. national anthem, spans the Patapsco River and Baltimore harbor, serving as a vital link since its inauguration in 1977. This continuous truss bridge, noted for its extensive length and significant main span, faced destruction when the container ship Dali struck one of its pillars in the early hours, leading to its immediate collapse.
At the heart of the tragedy, several individuals were on the bridge, undergoing repairs, when the incident occurred. A substantial rescue operation is currently underway, with efforts hampered by debris and unstable conditions. Despite these challenges, two individuals have been rescued from the frigid harbor waters, with ongoing efforts to locate others.
The vessel implicated in the incident, the Singapore-flagged Dali, operated by Synergy Group and leased by Maersk, was en route to Sri Lanka when it deviated from its course and collided with the bridge. The ship’s crew, all Indian nationals, along with two pilots, have been accounted for, with no reported injuries. This event marks another in a history of incidents involving the Dali, previously having experienced a collision in 2016.
The aftermath of the bridge’s collapse foretells significant disruptions for both road traffic and shipping activities in Baltimore. As a critical component of Interstate 695, the bridge’s absence will likely cause extensive traffic issues, particularly for hazardous material transport, which is restricted from alternative routes. The shipping industry also faces challenges, with the accident described as a “major disaster” that could affect U.S. importers and exporters on the East Coast. Despite these disruptions, global shipping is not expected to be significantly impacted.
