In a dramatic turn of events, a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed following a collision with a cargo vessel. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning local time, has prompted a swift response from emergency services as they endeavor to rescue individuals potentially stranded in the water.
Reports indicate that around 6:30 AM Netherlands time, a large vessel struck the bridge, igniting a fire upon impact. Prior to the collision, traffic was flowing across the bridge, and approximately twenty construction workers were reportedly on site. According to the Baltimore Fire Department, seven vehicles, including one of tractor size, plunged into the water. A specialized dive team has been dispatched to assist in the rescue efforts, although the exact number of individuals in need of assistance remains unclear.
The vessel involved in the collision has been identified as the container ship Dali, registered under the flag of Singapore. Measuring 300 meters in length, the ship was on route to Sri Lanka at the time of the incident.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning a length of 2.5 kilometers, features four lanes and spans the Patapsco River. Serving as a vital link to the port of Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, the bridge is also integral to the Baltimore Beltway, the encircling highway network facilitating transportation around the city.
As authorities work to assess the extent of the damage and secure the area, motorists are being diverted from the bridge to alternate routes via surrounding highways. The impact of this incident on maritime traffic and regional logistics is yet to be determined, with investigations likely to follow to ascertain the cause of the collision and evaluate any potential implications for maritime safety protocols.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge underscores the critical importance of robust infrastructure maintenance and maritime safety measures. With rescue operations ongoing and the full extent of the incident yet to be realized, communities both locally and internationally are closely monitoring developments as efforts continue to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
Source:NU.nl