Baltimore Key Bridge Collapses

What caused the Baltimore Bridge to collapse?

A bridge in the US city of Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed this morning. A cargo vessel reportedly collided with a bridge pillar only 30 minutes after departing from Baltimore. It was called the Dali, on a 27-day course to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Although soon to be deemed a catastrophe, staff on board the vessel managed to call Mayday, shortly before colliding with the bridge.

Before and After of the Baltimore Bridge Collapse (Images accredited at the bottom)

Who is affected?

According to the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), eight people fell into the water, all apparently construction workers. Only two have were recovered so far, one currently in hospital.

The state has declared the rescue and investigations involved in the event as a state of emergency. Joe Biden himself has said that efforts for search and rescue remain ‘top priority’, according to the Guardian. Biden also said rebuilding costs would be covered by the federal government. He calls for the US congress’ help.

The state government insisted the bridge met all safety regulations before the incident, and the shipping company Maersk said they would investigate this incident. The vessel was registered in Singapore and the route was chartered. Officers made a note of their communications with US officials during the departure at 1 am. The ship lost power and veered into the bridge.

According to Sky News divers cannot safely enter the water yet due to the extent of debris and twisted metal scraps still present. This makes the prospect of rescue even harder. Multiple cars have also been detected underwater, and the number of casualties is yet to be exactly known.

Controversy Involved with the Vessel

However, the same vessel was involved in a collision in 2016 in Antwerp, Belgium, in which the hull of the ship was damaged upon scraping the quay. Although previously deemed as the ship pilot’s fault, further investigations are now taking place due to the second collision.

A sad catastrophe damaging a bridge standing proud since 1977, we must wait and see what happens next and the outcome of any further investigations.

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All Images Belong to Copyright holders

Cover Image- The Guardian

“Before” Image- Wikipedia

“After” Image- Axios