The landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed into icy waters at approximately 1:50 a.m. Tuesday morning. The tragedy followed the collision of a 100,000-ton cargo ship experiencing an electronic malfunction crashing into one of the bridge support towers.
The 948-foot-long ship, the DALI, is operated by the Singaporean company Synergy Group. According to a report in the Daily Mail, the ship hit the bridge minutes after leaving port.
Shortly after the incident, Baltimore Mayor Brendon Scott posted that he was aware of the incident and was en route to the bridge. “Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” he wrote.
I'm aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld reported that none of the 22 crewmembers were injured and that the vessel “was being steered by the specialist pilots.”
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) ruled out terrorism or intentionally as the cause of the collision.
The Daily Mail report indicated the DALI had notified the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) shortly after leaving port noting they were experiencing a malfunction, had “lost control of the vessel and a collision with the bridge was possible.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said construction crews working the bridge that evening became aware of the cargo ship’s distress call and initiated efforts to close the bridge. Their efforts saved many lives.
According to the Post Millennial, “multiple vehicles” were on the 1.6-mile-long bridge when it collapsed.
The Post Millennial reported that dive teams have been searching the area and that there are conflicting reports regarding casualties. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace confirmed that at least one tractor-trailer and up to 20 people from other vehicles fell into the water.
Fire Department officials report that sonar readings indicated “multiple vehicles are submerged in the water.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said video of the collapse was like “something out of an action movie,” adding the horrific scene was “like something you could never imagine.” He vowed to do all he could to support those “impacted” by the unexpected incident.
The bridge was a heavily used toll crossing, allowing motorists to cross Baltimore Harbor. MSN referred to it as a “critical transportation passageway.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency.
