The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, experienced a partial collapse following a collision with the container ship, Dali, sparking a mass casualty event and environmental concerns.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, experienced a partial collapse into the Patapsco River early on Tuesday, following a collision with the container ship, Dali. The 95,000-tonne vessel, which was en route to Colombo from Baltimore, struck the bridge leading to significant structural damage and causing multiple vehicles to fall into the water. In response, a large-scale emergency operation was launched to rescue at least seven individuals reported to be in the river, alongside a concerted effort to locate 20 missing construction workers and three civilian cars.
Chief Kevin Cartwright of the Baltimore Fire Department labeled the situation a “mass casualty event,” indicating the severity of the incident and the potential for significant loss of life. Additionally, the collision has resulted in diesel leaking from the Dali into the river, adding environmental concerns to the already dire situation.
Authorities, including Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., have confirmed that all lanes of the I-695 Key Bridge are closed, with traffic being rerouted to facilitate emergency and rescue operations. The bridge, which opened in 1977, is now considered unsafe, with damaged sections and debris posing further hazards.
The community and emergency services are still grappling with the unfolding consequences of the disaster, as efforts continue to rescue those affected and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the collision.
