Baltimore Key Bridge collapses after ship collision, Port Closed

In a catastrophic event that has sent shockwaves through the state of Maryland and beyond, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital transportation artery for the Baltimore region, collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning following a collision with a massive container ship. The incident has prompted a state of emergency declaration, an intense search and rescue operation, and widespread concern over the economic and logistical repercussions.

The collapse occurred around 1:30 a.m. when the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, measuring 984 feet in length, struck a support pillar of the bridge. The impact was so severe that it caused a significant portion of the bridge to crumble into the Patapsco River below, along with several vehicles, including a cement truck and passenger cars. The bridge, part of Interstate 695, is a critical link connecting Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County and is one of three major crossings over the Baltimore Harbor.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, addressing the gravity of the situation, declared a state of emergency and described the state as being in shock. The governor revealed that the ship had issued a mayday call after losing power, which likely saved lives by allowing officials to halt traffic over the bridge moments before the collapse. The Dali was traveling at a speed of approximately nine miles per hour at the time of the collision.

Rescue efforts have been underway since the early morning, with emergency crews using sonar technology to locate at least five vehicles submerged in the 50-foot-deep waters. While authorities believe no one was inside the vehicles at the time of the accident, the fate of an unknown number of bridge workers who were conducting repairs remains uncertain. At least six individuals are still unaccounted for, and two workers have been rescued from the water, one of whom was seriously injured and is receiving treatment at a trauma center.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the involvement of the Dali in the incident and has been actively participating in the search and rescue operations. The Synergy Group, which operates and manages the Dali, stated that two port pilots were navigating the vessel at the time of the crash and that all 22 crew members are accounted for and safe.

The Key Bridge, opened in 1977, is named after Francis Scott Key, the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner." It is a 1.6-mile steel structure that sees an average traffic volume of 11.3 million vehicles per year. The bridge's collapse has led to the closure of all lanes in both directions, with the Maryland Transportation Authority directing commuters to use alternate routes such as Interstate 95 and Interstate 895. Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, which are prohibited from using the harbor tunnels, have been advised to use the western section of I-695.

The economic implications of the bridge collapse are far-reaching. The Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the United States, has suspended vessel traffic indefinitely, which is expected to disrupt the flow of commerce both locally and nationally. The port is a major hub for imports and exports of cars and light trucks and supports over 15,000 direct jobs. The suspension of vessel traffic could have ripple effects on supply chains and the movement of goods across the country.

As the city grapples with the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the focus remains on the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Families of the missing workers have gathered at nearby locations, anxiously awaiting updates on their loved ones. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has called for prayers for the missing workers and the first responders who are facing challenging conditions in their search efforts.

The collapse of the Key Bridge is a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the potential for unforeseen disasters to have profound impacts on communities. As investigations into the cause of the collapse continue, officials and experts will undoubtedly seek to understand how such a tragedy occurred and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the people of Baltimore and the surrounding regions face a long road to recovery, both in terms of the human toll and the restoration of a critical piece of their transportation network.