In a devastating turn of events, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship, leaving six individuals missing and presumed dead. The incident, occurring in the early hours, has plunged the city into mourning and sparked a massive search and recovery effort by authorities.
The collision occurred when the Singapore-flagged container ship, Dali, encountered a "power issue" shortly after departing from Port Breeze. Despite crew warnings, the vessel collided with a support column of the 47-year-old bridge at approximately 01:30 local time.
Numerous vehicles, including one resembling a tractor-trailer, plummeted into the water as the bridge gave way, trapping construction workers who were undertaking repairs on the structure.
Rescue operations, involving the Baltimore Fire Department, the US Coast Guard, and other state agencies, faced significant challenges posed by freezing temperatures and tidal conditions.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that authorities were notified of the ship's power issues prior to the collision. President Joe Biden pledged swift action, promising federal support to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge.
While two individuals were rescued from the water, the remaining six are feared lost due to prolonged submersion and harsh environmental conditions.
Engineers are assessing the structural impact of the collapse, with shipping company Synergy Marine Group cooperating with federal investigations to determine the exact cause of the tragic incident.
Mayor Brandon Scott expressed profound sorrow over the "unthinkable tragedy" and emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts to save those still trapped in the water.
Shipping giant Maersk, which chartered the vessel involved, expressed horror at the events and extended sympathies to all affected parties.
President Biden affirmed the accident's accidental nature and assured that the federal government would cover the entire cost of bridge reconstruction pending congressional approval.
As Baltimore reels from the aftermath of this catastrophic event, the community mourns the loss of lives and awaits updates on rescue efforts. The incident underscores the importance of maritime safety and infrastructure maintenance, prompting calls for thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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