The city of Baltimore was rocked by a devastating incident in the early hours of Tuesday morning as a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a catastrophic collapse that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread damage.
The Dali, a massive cargo ship bound for Sri Lanka, lost power and propulsion just half an hour into its journey from Baltimore harbor. As the vessel drifted towards the bridge, its lights went dark, and the crew frantically reported the emergency to local authorities.
In a horrifying turn of events captured on a livestreaming camera, the Dali crashed into a pillar of the bridge with such force that the southern and central spans collapsed within seconds. Tragically, at least six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time are presumed dead, with only two individuals rescued from the frigid waters of the Patapsco River.
The collapse of the 1.6-mile bridge has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate closure of the Port of Baltimore and raising concerns about the impact on local and national transportation networks. President Biden has pledged federal support for the bridge repairs and the investigation into the cause of the accident.
As authorities work to recover the bodies of the missing workers and assess the extent of the damage, questions remain about the circumstances leading up to the collision and the structural integrity of the bridge. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime transportation and the importance of robust safety measures in preventing such tragedies.
The city of Baltimore mourns the loss of life and the destruction caused by this devastating event, as officials and experts work tirelessly to understand what went wrong and prevent similar incidents in the future.
