The sudden collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday, hit by a ship said officials.
In the early hours of a recent Tuesday, Baltimore was struck by an unexpected disaster when a significant portion of the renowned Francis Scott Key Bridge suddenly collapsed.
After the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was hit by a cargo ship around 1:30 a.m. on March 26, it collapsed. The incident is considered a “mass casualty event” by first responders. pic.twitter.com/5k3EtRFqtn
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) March 26, 2024
The incident was promptly reported to the Baltimore Police Department at 1:35 a.m., raising immediate concerns for the safety of workers who may have been present on the bridge.
Detective Niki Fennoy of the Baltimore Police Department provided a statement confirming the partial collapse and the possibility of individuals being in the water.
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The local community has been shaken by the event, and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. has been actively liaising with the city’s mayor, fire service chief, and other officials to address the emergency. He has called upon the public to keep those impacted in their thoughts during this challenging time.
The Maryland Transport Authority has verified that the incident was caused by a collision with a ship, leading to the closure of Interstate 695.
Francis Scott bridge was built in 1977
This vital thoroughfare, now interrupted, was once traversed by the Key Bridge, a structure that has proudly connected the region since 1977. Stretching over 1.2 miles with a main span of 1,200 feet, the bridge was celebrated as one of the longest continuous truss bridges globally when it was completed, a fact noted by the National Steel Bridge Alliance.
This tragic event not only disrupts daily commutes but also touches the hearts of those who recognize the bridge as a symbol of local heritage and American ingenuity.
As the investigation into the cause of the collapse continues, the community holds its breath, hoping for the safety of all affected and the swift restoration of this critical piece of infrastructure.