Major East Coast Bridge Collapses After Collision with Cargo Ship, Triggers Extensive Search and Rescue Operation

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, an essential artery for East Coast shipping, met a catastrophic fate early Tuesday when a cargo ship collided with it, leading to its swift collapse. This incident, occurring around 1:30 a.m., has prompted an extensive search and rescue effort, with at least seven individuals, including potential construction workers, believed to be missing. The Baltimore City Fire Department, under Chief James Wallace, confirmed the collapse resulted from the vessel’s impact with one of the bridge’s columns, causing immediate structural failure. The collision was captured on footage, showing the dramatic moment of impact, the bridge’s fall into the Patapsco River, and a subsequent explosion of flames and smoke.

Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld reported that several vehicles and contractors, who were on the bridge for maintenance work, are among the affected. Early rescue efforts led to two individuals being saved, with one in very serious condition. The crew aboard the cargo ship, identified as the Singapore-flagged ’Dali,’ operated by Synergy Group and owned by Grace Ocean Pte, are accounted for and unharmed. Preliminary investigations by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore suggest the event was an accident, dismissing the possibility of an intentional act.

The ongoing multi-agency search operation spans a significant portion of the river, utilizing divers, helicopters, and sonar technology to locate submerged vehicles. The governor has declared a state of emergency, seeking federal assistance to manage the aftermath, which includes the temporary suspension of vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore. This incident has raised concerns over the potential impact on East Coast shipping logistics, with experts warning of increased demand on alternative ports and potential inefficiencies in accessing U.S. markets.