WASHINGTON, D.C. — Early this morning a 984-feet-long Singaporean-flagged container vessel crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, MD.
The cargo ship was departing Baltimore Harbor when it reportedly lost power, crashed, and brought down a significant portion of the bridge into the Patapsco River.
The primary focus at this point is search and rescue for six individuals who are unaccounted for as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Governor Wes Moore (D- MD), who declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.
“To hear the words that the Key Bridge has collapsed, it’s shocking and heartbreaking. For every single one of us who are Marylanders, to hear the words that the Key Bridge is gone, it still shakes us,” said Gov. Moore.
Governor Moore said eight individuals were involved in the accident. In addition to the missing six individuals, two people were rescued. One was unhurt and one was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
The 1.6-mile Key Bridge extends over the Patapsco River. It is the outermost crossing of the Baltimore Harbor and is an essential link of I-695, a critical route for commuters and commerce. Gov. Moore says it’s too soon to provide estimates on a reconstruction timeline.
“We don’t have any estimates on timeline because right now our exclusive focus is on saving lives. Our exclusive focus is on search and rescue,” said Gov. Moore.
“I’m praying for Baltimore and everyone touched by the tragic collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge. Thank you to the first responders on the scene,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D- NY) on the social media platform, X.
“I’m praying for the safety and swift recovery of all those missing after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. I’m thankful for the first responders on the scene and my thoughts are with our neighbors in Maryland this morning,” said Senator Bob Casey (D- PA).
On Tuesday, President Biden said the federal government is ready to assist.
“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge,” said President Biden.
