Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses 

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed during the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 26 when the Dali, a container ship, struck and catastrophically damaged a support beam. 

The accidental collision crumbled the bridge near-instantaneously, sending traffic and a work crew plummeting into the cold, dark Patapsco river below. From initial reports and several camera angles around the port and bridge, it appears that the Dali suffered a loss of power onboard ahead of it's collision with the bridge, likely contributing to the disaster. 

For the Dali, a cargo ship owned and operated by Synergy group, this isn’t their first accident. Previously, it was reported that the ship had crashed into a stone wall at the Belgian port of Antwerp-Bruges. Following the collision and collapse of the bridge, Synergy released a statement confirming that all crew and both pilots onboard the ship had been accounted for. 

Shortly prior to the collision, Maryland port authorities received a mayday call from the Dali as they experienced a “power issue.” This would lead to a loss of propulsion, and therefore the ability to properly maneuver the vessel, so at their speed of eight knots (or about nine mph) the Dali barreled uncontrollably into the support column.

Investigation by the National Transit Safety Board is still ongoing, however, they have so far not confirmed publicly whether or not there is evidence of power loss. Questions of negligence or malice quickly began swirling around the tragedy to the dismay of Baltimore’s mayor Brandon Scott, who said, “It shouldn’t be a discussion at the moment, it should be about the people, the souls, the lives that we are trying to save.”

Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, quickly declared a state of emergency following the incident. Rescue teams mobilized to the Patapsco armed with sonar, locating five submerged vehicles that were all believed to be empty. The Coast Guard also assisted in this joint operation, releasing a statement themselves which presumed dead all six of the maintenance workers who’d been on the bridge at the time of collapse. Despite the tragedy, search and rescue efforts continue as restoration efforts are already underway. 

A mere three days after the collapse, spectators witnessed the arrival of an enormous crane capable of lifting over 1,000 tons. Despite the gargantuan capabilities of this machine, the over four ton hunk of bridge will still need to be broken apart before removal. According to Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, "We're at least going to have to cut that portion of the bridge into four different members, and safely lifted off of the vessel, and move it out of our way so we can get to the remaining work." 

Daunting as this restoration effort may appear, Baltimore is not going to be left to suffer alone. President Biden has pledged federal funding for the repairs to Baltimore’s infrastructure although he does warn,“It will take time.” Biden warned. Transportation Secretary Pete Betuidgege affirmed, “The people of Baltimore can count on us to stick with them.” 

The port of Baltimore, among the largest in the United States, is the busiest port for car imports and exports, taking care of more than 750,000 coming in and out during 2023. Baltimore's economy will undoubtedly suffer as long as the port remains closed, with container shipments being diverted to other ports in Maryland and daily commuters who relied upon the Francis Scott Key bridge being forced to find alternative routes.