Major Bridge Collapse in Baltimore Harbor Sends Vehicles and People Plunging

In a catastrophic event early Tuesday morning, a significant portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA, collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with a container ship. The incident, which occurred around 1:30 am local time, has resulted in multiple vehicles and as many as 20 individuals being submerged in the harbor below.

Dramatic footage captured the 300-meter vessel striking a footing of the bridge, causing sections of the steel structure to warp and collapse into the river. The harrowing scene also depicted small explosions amid the rapid collapse.

Kevin Cartwright of the Baltimore Fire Department indicated that a mass-casualty multi-agency incident was underway, with a potential involvement of large vehicles like tractor-trailers on the bridge at the time of its collapse.

Initial reports suggested that the ship may have experienced engine trouble before the collision, with the vessel going dark moments before impact. Thick black smoke emitting from the ship’s funnel indicated possible activity from the engine.

Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized following the collision, with divers dispatched into the water to search for survivors. However, the cold water temperatures, around 48 Fahrenheit (8.8 Celsius), posed challenges to rescue efforts, narrowing the window of survivability for anyone submerged.

Photographs from the scene revealed debris from the collapsed bridge resting on the deck of the ship, potentially complicating rescue operations due to unstable containers.

Eyewitnesses described the event as akin to an earthquake, with emergency lights illuminating the area shortly after the collapse. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning the Patapsco River southwest of Baltimore, is a vital component of the region’s road network, accommodating over 11 million vehicles annually.

The Maryland Transportation Authority advised drivers to avoid the area, which is part of the I-695 interstate highway, labeling it an “active scene” as rescue operations continued.

The container ship involved in the collision, identified as the Dali and flagged from Singapore, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Synergy Marine Group, the vessel’s operator, confirmed its involvement in the incident and mobilized its response service to assess the situation.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg pledged federal assistance to the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland, urging drivers to adhere to local responder guidance on detours and response measures.

As rescue efforts persist, the bustling cargo port of Baltimore, a crucial hub for various commodities, remains under scrutiny following this devastating event.