A significant section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning, after a container ship collided with it. The incident led to vehicles falling into the water, initiated a large-scale search and rescue operation, and has serious implications for one of the busiest ports on the U.S. East Coast.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is advising against the use of Interstate 695, a key route for Baltimore’s commuters and freight movement, following the collapse. The bridge plays a vital role in commercial shipping access to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for autos, light trucks and various bulk goods.
Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland’s transportation secretary, said the water where the bridge was struck is about 50 feet deep, complicating search and rescue operations. The U.S. Coast Guard and dive teams are currently searching for survivors, with Baltimore’s fire chief noting the additional challenges posed by the water’s current.
Search and rescue efforts are underway, with initial reports indicating possible multiple casualties. The effort to locate survivors is critical, with water temperatures around 47 degrees Fahrenheit adding to the urgency.
Officials said there is no indication of foul play.
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The Dali, the Singapore-flagged ship involved, was carrying around 4,900 containers at the time of the collision. It hit the bridge around 1:30 a.m. while under pilotage, disrupting not just the vessel’s journey from the U.S. to Sri Lanka but also the operations at the port and the flow of traffic on surrounding roadways.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency and is seeking federal assistance. The bridge’s collapse significantly affects local commuters and poses challenges to freight transportation, especially as the Easter holiday weekend approaches. The Port of Baltimore, known for handling a large volume of imports and exports, faces immediate operational hurdles.
Authorities are focused on rescue operations and determining the full extent of the disruption to commerce and traffic. The situation remains fluid, and this article will be updated.
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