Baltimore
US: Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship, losing power, rams into it; 6 people missing
Baltimore/IBNS: A container ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge's support column in Baltimore in the United States early Tuesday, plunging a construction crew and several vehicles into the dangerously cold waters.
Two people were pulled out by the rescuers. However, six others are missing.
The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, enabling authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, AP quoted Maryland’s governor as saying.
The ship struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to collapse like a toy.
The collapsed bridge tumbled into the water in a matter of seconds making a shocking spectacle.
The moment captured through a video went viral on social media.
The vessel then caught fire with black smoke billowing out of it.
With the ship barreling toward the bridge at “a very, very rapid speed,” authorities had just enough time to stop cars from coming over the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.
US President Joe Biden praised the people who blocked traffic and “undoubtedly saved lives."
He said that the Coast Guard would continue search-and-rescue efforts and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would clear the channel to help reopen Baltimore to ship traffic.
Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. https://t.co/9pXTbw1Bh5
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 26, 2024
“We’re going to rebuild that port together,” Biden said.
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