A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning after a container ship collided with it. This resulted in vehicles falling into the water, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation and raising concerns for one of the busiest ports on the U.S. East Coast.
The Maryland Transportation Authority is advising against the use of Interstate 695, a critical route for Baltimore’s commuters and freight movement, following the bridge collapse. The bridge is essential for commercial shipping access to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for autos, light trucks, and various bulk goods.
Search and rescue efforts are underway in the 50-foot deep water where the bridge was struck, with the U.S. Coast Guard and dive teams searching for survivors. Challenges such as water currents have complicated the operation, with initial reports suggesting potential casualties.
There is currently no indication of foul play in the incident. The Singapore-flagged ship involved, the Dali, was carrying around 4,900 containers at the time of the collision, disrupting its journey from the U.S. to Sri Lanka and affecting port operations and traffic flow.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency and is requesting federal assistance to address the impact of the bridge collapse on local commuters and freight transportation, particularly with the Easter holiday weekend approaching. Authorities are focused on rescue efforts and assessing the disruption to commerce and traffic. The situation is evolving, and updates will be provided.
