Six workers have been reported missing and presumed dead from the Baltimore bridge collapse that happened on Tuesday after a massive cargo ship crippled by a power loss collided with the structure.
The Singapore-flagged container vessel, named Dali, was departing Baltimore Harbor bound for Sri Lanka when it struck a support pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a trestled section to crumple into the icy waters below.
Vehicles and individuals were plunged into the river, with rescuers managing to pull two survivors to safety, one of whom was hospitalized.
Authorities confirmed that the missing workers were part of a crew performing maintenance on the bridge at the time of the collision.
Despite efforts by dive teams, hopes of finding the missing individuals alive have been dashed due to the harsh conditions and the passage of time since the accident.
Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath acknowledged the grim reality, stating that there was no hope of finding survivors in the frigid waters.
Maryland State Police Colonel Roland Butler expressed the intention to resume search operations at daybreak in an effort to recover the workers’ remains.
The closure of one of the busiest ports on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard has raised concerns about the impact on supply chains. U.S.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noted that the shutdown of the shipping lane would have significant repercussions, affecting industries reliant on the timely delivery of goods.
President Joe Biden lauded the swift response of the U.S. Coast Guard and Maryland transportation officials, pledging federal support for the reconstruction of the bridge.
The closure of the port, coupled with the disruption to shipping routes, is expected to have far-reaching effects on cargo shipments and could lead to delays and increased costs along the Eastern seaboard.
As investigations into the incident continue, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the scene as resembling something out of an action movie, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy that has befallen the city.
With the bridge closure impacting vital transportation routes, efforts are underway to minimize disruptions and expedite the reopening of the port and the reconstruction of the bridge, named in honor of the author of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Chioma Kalu
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