Tragedy Strikes Baltimore as Ship Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge

In a shocking turn of events, the city of Baltimore witnessed a catastrophic incident in the early hours of Tuesday, March 26, 2024. A large ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a significant portion of the bridge to collapse.

The Incident

The collision occurred around 1 a.m., when a container ship struck a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The impact was so severe that it caused parts of the bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River. The exact type of ship involved in the collision has not been specified.

The Aftermath

Following the collapse, several vehicles reportedly fell into the river below. A search and rescue mission is currently underway for at least six people who have been reported missing since the incident⁵. One body has already been recovered from the Patapsco River.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced that all traffic is being detoured. The 1.6-mile, four-lane bridge, which extends over the Patapsco River, serves as the outermost crossing of the Baltimore harbor and an essential link of Interstate-695, or the Baltimore Beltway.

Investigation Underway

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the crash and is currently investigating the incident. The extent of the damage to the bridge, which is part of Interstate 695, was not immediately clear on Tuesday morning.

A City in Shock

The incident has left the city in shock and mourning. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a vital transportation link in Baltimore, and its sudden collapse has undoubtedly caused significant disruption and distress.

As the city grapples with this tragedy, the focus is now on the ongoing search and rescue efforts, hoping to find the missing individuals. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by maritime traffic in densely populated urban areas.