Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Recovery Efforts Continue
A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed early Tuesday morning. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a large cargo ship. This caused the bridge to break apart and fall into the Patapsco River.
The collapse occurred around 1:30 a.m. ET. Officials report that the cargo ship, the Dali, lost power before hitting a support pillar of the bridge. The ship issued a mayday call, which allowed officials to stop traffic from entering the bridge.
Search and Rescue
Search and rescue operations began immediately after the collapse. Several vehicles fell into the water. Authorities are working to locate and rescue any people who may be trapped. Divers are searching the area for survivors.
Impact on Shipping
The collapse has shut down ship traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore. This is a major port for both cargo and passenger ships. The closure will likely cause significant delays and disruptions to supply chains. Officials are working to assess the damage and determine how long the port will be closed.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the collapse. They will examine the ship’s logs, the crew’s actions, and the condition of the bridge. The investigation could take many months to complete.
President Biden’s Response
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, promising federal support for the recovery. He stated that the federal government will cover the full cost of rebuilding the bridge. He also expressed sympathy for the families of those affected.
Economic Impact
The bridge collapse will have a significant economic impact on the region. The Port of Baltimore is a major economic engine for Maryland. The closure will affect thousands of jobs and businesses. Officials are working to minimize the disruption and get the port reopened as soon as possible.
Bridge Reconstruction
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge will be a complex and lengthy process. Engineers will need to assess the damage and design a new bridge. The construction could take several years. The focus now is on clearing the debris and recovering any victims.
Further Updates
The situation is still developing. More information will be released as it becomes available. Stay tuned for updates on the recovery efforts and the investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Source: bbc.com
