A massive cargo ship collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the 1.6-mile structure to collapse, sending cars and people into the water below. Six individuals are presumed dead, according to a Coast Guard official.
The incident occurred early Tuesday when a Singaporean-flagged container vessel named DALI struck one of the bridge's pillars. Despite efforts by the ship's pilot to slow the vessel, a total blackout occurred just before reaching the bridge, resulting in a loss of engine and electrical power.
Emergency protocols, including dropping anchor, were initiated, but the ship was unable to maintain its heading and collided with the bridge.
The vessel was off-center as it approached the bridge, crashing into a pillar on one side instead of crossing under the middle where clearance is highest.
Rescue operations for the missing construction workers on the bridge have turned into a recovery mission. The victims include Mexican and Guatemalan nationals.
The construction work being performed on the bridge was unrelated to any structural issues. Search efforts have been hampered by dangerous conditions, including unstable steel sections of the bridge and containers hanging off the vessel.
The US Coast Guard is examining damaged containers, some potentially containing hazardous materials, aboard the ship.
They are also monitoring a potential fuel spill of 1.8 million gallons from the vessel. While there is no indication the crash was intentional, the FBI is on the scene to assist with resources and to confirm if the disaster was intentional, although officials have stated there is no evidence of this.
The National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the accident. President Joe Biden has committed to funding the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge, emphasizing its importance to the economy and jobs in the region.
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has acknowledged the major impact on supply chains and the long road to recovery, pledging to rebuild together.