Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Ship Collision
A major Baltimore bridge partially collapsed into the Patapsco River after being hit by a cargo ship early Tuesday morning. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, stretching nearly 3 kilometers, is a crucial part of the I-95 interstate, spanning from Miami to Maine.
A live video circulating on YouTube captured the dramatic scene as the large ship crashed into the bridge, causing sections of it to collapse into the river. This event unfolded around 1:30 am on March 26.
Rescue teams have already saved two people, with one in critical condition, and are actively searching for more individuals in the Patapsco River. Reports indicate that at least seven vehicles plunged into the water along with significant portions of the 1.6-mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to Reuters.
Following the incident, the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on social media, “All lanes on both sides of I-695 Key Bridge are closed due to the incident. Traffic is being redirected.”
The Key Bridge: A Baltimore Landmark
The Key Bridge, officially known as the Baltimore Bridge, holds a significant place in the city's history. Opened in 1977, it was dedicated to Francis Scott Key, the Maryland poet who penned the words of the US national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner.
Spanning the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, this bridge stretches 1.6 miles (2.6 km) and provides a vital connection in the area. The Patapsco River eventually flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the US.
This remarkable bridge is categorized as a continuous truss bridge, boasting a main span of 1,200 feet. At the time of its construction, it ranked as the third-longest bridge of its type in the world.
However, tragedy struck in the early hours of Tuesday when the bridge faced a devastating incident. Video footage capturing the moment shows the bridge collapsing instantly as the container ship Dali collides with one of its pillars. This catastrophic event occurred at approximately 01:30 local time (05:30 GMT), leaving a significant impact on the Baltimore community.
Though the exact count of casualties remains unknown, there are fears that up to 20 people might be in the river, along with multiple vehicles, possibly including a tractor-trailer.
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Kevin Cartwright, a spokesperson for the Baltimore City Fire Department, shared with Reuters, “This is a mass-casualty, multi-agency event. This operation will continue for many days. We received several 911 calls around 1:30 am reporting a vessel striking the Key Bridge in Baltimore, leading to its collapse.” Baltimore police were informed of the situation at 1:35 am ET.
In response to the crisis, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency to swiftly mobilize federal resources. The FBI in Baltimore has confirmed its presence at the scene. During a press briefing, Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley assured the public that there is no indication of terrorism being involved.
Meanwhile, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is actively engaged with local authorities regarding the incident. “I'm aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge… Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” Scott stated.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has prompted a mass casualty response from various agencies, including the Coast Guard and fire department. Chief Kevin Cartwright of the Baltimore City Fire Department confirmed to BBC that “as many as seven individuals and several vehicles” are in the river. A collaborative rescue operation involving multiple agencies is ongoing, with the fire department leading the efforts alongside the US Coast Guard and other Maryland agencies.
As the situation unfolds, all lanes in both directions on the bridge have been shut down, and traffic is being diverted either through the city via the I-95 interstate or the harbor tunnel. Despite the chaos, there are no confirmed casualties yet. However, Baltimore City police suspect that workers may be in the water following the bridge collapse.
Johnny Olszewski Jr., Baltimore County executive, shared on social media, “I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations. I’m also in contact w/ the Mayor of Baltimore and the Anne Arundel Co. Exec. Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted.”
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