By Trend News Line 2024-03-26 10:30:09.
**Rescue Teams Rush to Save Lives in Baltimore Bridge Collapse**
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In a heart-stopping turn of events, rescue teams in Baltimore are working tirelessly to save the lives of dozens of people who were thrown into the icy waters of the Patapsco River when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a collision with a container ship. The spine-chilling video that has emerged captures the moment the bridge collapses, plunging people into the frigid waters.
**Initial Reports and Rescue Efforts**
Initial reports suggest that roughly a dozen cars plunged into the 47-degree water, along with around 20 construction workers who were present on the bridge at the time of the accident. These workers were in the process of pouring concrete onto the bridge when the fatal collision took place.
An explosion occurred on the container ship as it collided with the bridge, causing containers and diesel to spill into the water. The ship involved is the 948-foot-long Dali, flagged in Singapore and identified as a container vessel. Ship tracking websites showed the Dali positioned stationary under the bridge following the crash.
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**State of Emergency Declared**
Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in Maryland to enable local officials to access funds from the Biden administration. He also stated that his office is in close communication with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Around 30,000 vehicles use the Francis Scott Key Bridge daily, making it a vital transportation route. The bridge, named after the writer of the Star Spangled Banner, serves as a crucial link in the region’s infrastructure.
**Mass Casualties Feared**
Dramatic footage captures the moment when the bridge seems to snap and then collapse into the river below following the vessel’s collision with one of its supporting structures. Baltimore Fire Department’s Director of Communications, Kevin Cartwright, described the situation as “a dire emergency” and called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.”
Emergency responders are proceeding cautiously due to unsafe and unstable conditions caused by cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge. Hypothermia is a significant concern for those rescued from the frigid waters.
**Bridge Design and Ship Details**
Structural engineer Ian Firth stated that the ship appeared to have “strayed” off course, hitting the support of the bridge. The impact force caused the collapse of the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River in Baltimore’s harbor.
The Dali ship was bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the cargo it was carrying remains unclear. The vessel was scheduled to arrive in Asia on April 27. As of the latest information, the ship is stranded beneath the collapsed bridge.
**Rescue Efforts and Emergency Responders**
Emergency responders at the scene include the Harford County Fire and EMS, volunteer firefighters from the Volunteer Swift Water Team, and the Harford County Department of Emergency Services’ Special Operations Team. These teams are working tirelessly to save lives and recover those affected by the tragic bridge collapse.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure in the region. As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on saving lives and providing support to those impacted by this devastating event..
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