A significant bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed early Tuesday morning after a container ship struck it, sending automobiles into the Patapsco River and prompting a search and rescue mission in a terrifying scene that drew the nation's eyes. an unfolding tragedy.
The Key Bridge was a part of I-695 and was accomplished in 1977 and named after Francis Scott Key, who wrote the Star Spangled Banner close to the identical spot within the river. The bridge was 1.6 miles lengthy.
Watch this: a video (timed out in elements) for a greater breakdown of the complete incident that resulted within the container ship hitting the Key Bridge: pic.twitter.com/Hw67SHzjKl
— DMV Information Stay (@DCNewsLive) March 26, 2024
As of early Tuesday morning, six building employees who have been repairing potholes on the bridge on the time of the collapse have been nonetheless lacking. Two employees have been rescued, The Baltimore Solar reported.
Emergency crews looked for survivors.
Video of the incident reveals lights on the container ship flickering on and off, as darkish smoke billows from the chimney moments earlier than it collides with the help construction. Inside seconds, the bridge collapses into the river at about 1:20 a.m. native time.
In 2023, the bridge carried a mean of 34,000 automobiles per day, for a complete of 12.4 million per 12 months, it mentioned Baltimore Solar.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore issued a press release Tuesday saying he’s in shut contact with native and nationwide officers. He declared a state of emergency.
NEW: Assertion by Gov. Wes Moore on Key Bridge collapse @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/kZHs1XGGhY
— Michael Pegram (@MichaelPNews) March 26, 2024
“We’re grateful for the courageous women and men who’re making efforts to rescue these concerned and we pray for the security of all,” Moore mentioned. “We’ll stay in shut contact with federal, state and native emergency responders as we proceed to evaluate and reply to this tragedy.”
US Senator Ben Cardin mentioned Baltimore Solar that “what was indicated is that the vessel misplaced energy, and while you lose energy, you lose management.”
“However they’re conducting a full investigation,” he mentioned.
The tragedy might have been a lot worse, Moore mentioned at a information convention. That's as a result of the ship's crew gave a “mayday” sign, permitting Maryland Transportation Authority police on the bridge above to stop different automobiles from driving onto it.
“These persons are heroes,” Moore mentioned Tuesday morning. “They saved lives final night time.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott urged the general public to wish.
“It's an unthinkable tragedy,” Scott mentioned at a information convention. “In the beginning, we’ve got to wish for everybody affected, for these households, pray for our first responders and thank them – everybody who’s working collectively.”
Picture credit score: ©Getty Photos / Win McNamee / Personnel
Michael Foust has coated the intersection of religion and information for 20 years. His tales have appeared within the Baptist Press, Christianity At the moment, Christian PoHoly, and Leaf chronicle, and Toronto Star and and Knoxville Information-Sentinel.
