By Trend News Line 2024-03-27 05:38:41.
In the dead of night, chaos unfolded on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when a massive cargo ship lost its steering capabilities and careened towards the structure. The dispatcher’s 12-second warning crackled over the radio as police officers scrambled to stop traffic and avert disaster. Despite their efforts, the vessel, named Dali, crashed into a support pillar, causing a section of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River.
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The aftermath of the crash was devastating, with at least eight people plunging into the water. While two individuals were rescued, six construction workers, who had been filling potholes on the bridge, remained missing and were presumed dead. The search for their bodies was set to resume the following morning. The victims hailed from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, according to their respective diplomats.
The incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, brought traffic to a standstill and disrupted operations at the Port of Baltimore. The National Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the accident, attributing it to a loss of power on the vessel. The suspension of ship traffic in and out of the port added to the logistical nightmare, with the facility remaining open only to trucks.
The collapse of the bridge, a crucial link in the region’s transport network, is poised to have long-lasting repercussions. The loss of the structure, which witnessed a daily influx of 12 million vehicles, will undoubtedly impact commuter traffic and shipping operations. State officials, including Maryland Governor Wes Moore, expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, with Governor Moore lauding the quick response of first responders who managed to avert further casualties.
The vessel responsible for the crash, under the management of Synergy Marine Group, was on its way from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and chartered by Danish shipping giant Maersk, the ship had passed inspections in foreign ports just months before the incident. The Singapore-flagged Dali, measuring 985 feet in length, had been deemed seaworthy prior to its ill-fated journey.
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The impact of the crash was felt far and wide, prompting offers of support from the federal government. President Joe Biden pledged to visit Baltimore and cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge. The suspension of vessel traffic at the Port of Baltimore until further notice underscored the severity of the situation, with officials bracing for the economic fallout in the region and along the East Coast.
As the sun rose on the mangled remains of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, residents and officials alike grappled with the enormity of the tragedy. The loss of life, the disruption to daily life, and the ripple effects on commerce painted a grim picture of the aftermath. The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the resilience of the community and the unwavering support of the nation offer a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity..
– Baltimore bridge collapsed construction crew
– Heroes stop traffic before bridge collapsed.
