In national news, reports show that the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early this morning after being struck by a 984-foot cargo ship with search efforts being launched for missing people involved in the collapse.
Early this morning, the structure collapsed into the water as a ship hit one of its pillars after the ship’s lights flickered and the ship veered off course before colliding with the pillar.
According to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace, two people have been rescued as of 9 a.m. this morning, and crews continue the search for at least seven other people that may have been impacted by the collapse.
According to reports from the Maryland Transportation Secretary, contractors were also working on the bridge at the time of collapse, and the number of missing people was noted as possible to change throughout the morning as more information is gathered.
Authorities are reportedly carrying out the search and rescue operation utilizing sonar and infrared technology alongside drones utilized to scan the area from an aerial point-of-view, and vehicles have been identified submerged in the water.
Early this morning, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency following the collapse of the bridge, and the Baltimore branch of the FBI responded to the scene for an investigation, which led to a statement from the Baltimore police chief that there was no indication of terrorism as a factor in the collapse.
Reports show that the ship was chartered by the Danish shipping company Maersk and was carrying cargo for customers, but no Maersk crew or personnel were onboard the vessel as the ship, DALI, was operated by Synergy Group, a charter vessel company. The ship was reportedly beginning a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka and left the port around 1 a.m. before colliding with the support beam around 1:30 a.m.
According to records from the Electronic Quality Shipping Information System, the ship had been inspected 27 times since it was constructed in 2015, and only two “deficiencies” were identified since its inception, and the last reported inspection of the ship was on September 9, 2023 by United States Coast Guard members in New York where no deficiencies were reported.
“Devastating news out of Baltimore early this morning, as the Francis Scott Key Bridge lies in the water, following an impact from a cargo ship,” Baltimore City Fire Department crews released. “Crews were dispatched for rescue efforts, but the number of casualties is unknown at this time. Such a tragedy for our city and our people. Our condolences to the families of the lost. As always, please drive carefully as you make your way to work this morning, and give your loved ones an extra squeeze on your way out the door”
Dive and rescue teams are continuing the search and rescue operations throughout the morning. No further information has been released as of 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
– Photo courtesy of Baltimore City Fire Department Rescue Team 1