Tragedy Strikes Baltimore: Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed on Tuesday morning following a collision with a cargo ship, leaving six workers missing and presumed dead. The chilling moments leading up to the collapse were captured in audio recordings of first responder calls, shedding light on the swift actions taken before the tragic incident unfolded.
The catastrophe began when the cargo ship issued a mayday call, alerting authorities that it had lost power. In response, Maryland Transportation Authority Police Dispatch and Response officials quickly moved to halt traffic on both sides of the bridge. Their efforts, however, were not enough to prevent the disaster.
According to the audio recordings, officials were in the process of ensuring no one was on the bridge and attempting to notify workers to temporarily vacate the structure when a voice exclaimed, “The whole bridge just fell down.” The collision with the Dali ship caused a portion of the 1.6-mile-long bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River, taking vehicles and workers with it.
The aftermath of the collapse has been grim, with six workers still missing and presumed dead, as confirmed by the executive vice president of Brawner Builders. Rescue efforts have transitioned into a recovery operation, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Among the victims identified was Miguel Luna from El Salvador, one of the six individuals on the bridge at the time of the collapse. As the community reels from the tragedy, President Joe Biden has pledged federal support, promising to visit Baltimore “as soon as possible” and cover the “full cost” of rebuilding the bridge.
Addressing the incident, President Biden emphasized that initial investigations indicate it was a “terrible accident” with no indication of intentional harm. He commended the actions of personnel aboard the ship, whose alert allowed local authorities to close the bridge preemptively, potentially saving lives.
“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families affected, especially those waiting for news of their loved ones right now,” stated President Biden, acknowledging the anguish felt by those impacted by the tragedy.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery carrying Interstate 695 over the Patapsco River, stands as a symbol of the devastating consequences of the unforeseen disaster. Once one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world, its collapse has sent shockwaves through the Baltimore metropolitan area and beyond, leaving a community in mourning.
As investigations into the incident continue, questions loom over the circumstances leading to the collision and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future. Yet, amid the grief and uncertainty, the resolve to rebuild and honor the memory of those lost remains steadfast.
Source: SkyNews ‘The whole bridge just fell down’: Audio of first responder call in Baltimore emerges
D.A.
