Baltimore bridge collapse- summary of events and response
Baltimore:a significant incident unfolded as a major bridge succumbed to collapse following a collision with a heavily laden container ship. Many inquiries persist, particularly regarding the circumstances leading to the ship’s loss of control. Here’s a summary of the current understanding:
What occurred?
Around 1:30 am (0530 GMT), the Singapore-flagged container vessel Dali, laden with cargo bound for Sri Lanka, collided with a concrete pier supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore while departing from the port. The impact caused nearly the entire bridge to collapse into approximately 50 feet (15 meters) of cold water below. Prior to the collision, the ship had issued a Mayday call indicating a loss of power, prompting authorities to swiftly halt traffic on the bridge, potentially averting further casualties.
A comprehensive search and rescue operation involving divers, boats, aircraft, and advanced sonar and infrared technology is currently underway.
What’s the casualty count?
Officials are actively searching for six members of an eight-person construction crew believed to have been working on bridge repairs. Two individuals have been retrieved from the water, with one unharmed and the other sustaining serious injuries and transported to a hospital. There’s uncertainty regarding the potential presence of trapped individuals in submerged vehicles following the collapse.
Baltimore’s fire chief mentioned the detection of vehicles underwater through sonar, but further details were not available. Maryland’s Governor indicated an ongoing investigation, while state Transportation Secretary expressed doubts about any individuals being trapped in vehicles.
The management of the Dali, Synergy Marine Group, confirmed that none of the ship’s crew suffered injuries.
What caused the incident?
The Dali issued a distress call moments before the collision, citing a loss of power and propulsion. The exact cause of the power failure remains undetermined.
According to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, the vessel was unable to maintain its intended course, leading to the collision with the bridge. CCTV footage captured the ship losing power twice before the collision, with a visible puff of smoke preceding the impact. Emergency procedures, including dropping anchors, were employed by the ship to mitigate the situation.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a factor. Some experts speculate that insufficient protection of the bridge’s main support structures might have rendered them unable to withstand the impact from such a large vessel.
What’s the plan going forward? Port operations have been halted indefinitely, and traffic diversions are in place as the search and rescue operation persists. Priority is given to locating survivors, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency by Governor Moore.
Efforts are underway to monitor for any potential fuel spills from the Dali. The incident is anticipated to have far-reaching consequences, affecting traffic flow in Baltimore and causing potential shipping delays due to debris obstructing the waterway.
