Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Ship Strike
A major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed early Tuesday morning. The Francis Scott Key Bridge came down after a large container ship struck it. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.
Immediate Response
First responders are working to find people who may have fallen into the Patapsco River. The water is very cold, which makes the rescue efforts more challenging. Several vehicles are believed to have been on the bridge at the time of the collapse. Divers are searching the waters.
Traffic Impacts
The bridge collapse is causing major traffic problems in the Baltimore area. The Key Bridge is a major route for vehicles traveling around the city. Its closure will force drivers to take detours, leading to significant delays. Officials are advising people to avoid the area if possible. Meanwhile, shipping traffic into the Port of Baltimore has been suspended indefinitely.
The Incident
The container ship Dali, traveling outbound from Baltimore, hit a support pillar of the bridge. The ship had reported a power issue shortly before the collision. However, the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is sending a team to investigate.
Bridge History
The Francis Scott Key Bridge opened in 1977. It was named after the author of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The bridge was a vital part of the Interstate 695 (I-695) highway. It carried thousands of vehicles each day.
Investigation
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the bridge collapse. They will examine the ship’s logs, the crew’s actions, and the bridge’s structure. The investigation will take time. In addition, it will help determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Looking Ahead
The collapse of the Key Bridge is a significant event for Baltimore and the surrounding region. The focus right now is on rescue efforts. However, in the long term, officials will need to rebuild the bridge. This process will likely take years and cost a lot of money.
Source: bbc.com
