Despite the collision’s severity, all 22 crew members, including the ship’s pilots, escaped unharmed, and no injuries were reported among them
In a devastating turn of events, a cargo ship named the Dali, manned entirely by an Indian crew, collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA, resulting in its collapse and the presumed deaths of six individuals. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, sending shockwaves through the city and beyond.
According to the managing company, Synergy Marine Group, the Dali was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it struck a support pillar of the bridge at approximately 1:30 am local time. Despite the collision’s severity, all 22 crew members, including the ship’s pilots, escaped unharmed, and no injuries were reported among them.
Tragically, the collapse of the bridge led to the disappearance of six repairmen who were part of a construction crew tasked with repairing potholes on the structure. The sudden collapse, occurring around midnight, resulted in vehicles and individuals plunging into the water below, as reported by the Associated Press.
Authorities launched rescue operations immediately following the incident, managing to retrieve two individuals from the water. However, hopes of finding the missing repairmen alive faded, prompting officials to call off further rescue efforts and presume the six individuals lost their lives in the collision.
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Beyond the human toll, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is expected to have significant economic repercussions, disrupting shipping operations at one of the nation’s busiest harbors
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The full extent of the damage, both in terms of infrastructure and livelihoods, is yet to be determined as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of this harrowing event
The circumstances leading to the accident are under investigation, with Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, noting that the ship had issued a mayday call, reporting a loss of power shortly before the collision. Video footage captured moments before the crash showed flickering lights on the vessel, indicating a potential power failure.
Governor Moore commended the actions taken by the ship’s crew, whose timely mayday call enabled authorities to prevent further casualties by closing the bridge to traffic just before the collision. He declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
President Joe Biden expressed condolences for the victims of the tragedy, labeling it a “terrible accident” and ruling out any suspicion of intentional harm. He praised the swift response of rescuers and traffic controllers, highlighting their role in averting further loss of life.
Beyond the human toll, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is expected to have significant economic repercussions, disrupting shipping operations at one of the nation’s busiest harbors. The full extent of the damage, both in terms of infrastructure and livelihoods, is yet to be determined as recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of this harrowing event.
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