Maryland Bridge Collapse After Cargo Ship Incident
A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed early Tuesday morning. This happened after a large cargo ship collided with it. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is now a disaster zone.
Initial Reports
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. local time. A large cargo ship, the Dali, struck a support pillar of the bridge. This caused a significant portion of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River.
Emergency Response
Emergency services are at the scene. They are conducting search and rescue operations. The focus is on locating people who may have fallen into the water. The water temperature is very cold, making rescue efforts more challenging.
Ship Details
The ship involved is the Dali, a 948-foot container vessel. It was leaving Baltimore en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Synergy Marine Group manages the ship. It is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd.
Possible Causes
The exact cause of the collision is under investigation. However, reports suggest the ship experienced a power outage shortly before the incident. This may have contributed to the vessel losing control.
Impact on Traffic
The bridge collapse is causing major disruptions. Traffic is being diverted. The port of Baltimore is temporarily closed. This will impact shipping and supply chains. Commuters should expect significant delays.
Statements from Officials
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency. He has promised to use all available resources. The goal is to respond effectively to the crisis. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is also monitoring the situation closely.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is launching a full investigation. They will determine the cause of the accident. The investigation will look at the ship’s systems. They will also examine the bridge’s structure.
Looking Ahead
The bridge collapse is a major tragedy. The focus is now on rescue and recovery efforts. The long-term impact on transportation and the economy is yet to be seen. However, officials are committed to rebuilding the bridge.
Source: bbc.com
