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Multiple individuals are presumed dead following a tragic incident where a cargo ship collided with a Baltimore Bridge on Tuesday morning. Investigators are diligently working to piece together a timeline of events. Fox’s Connor Hansen is at the scene with the latest updates.
Baltimore bridge collapse
The Coast Guard has transitioned from a rescue to a recovery mission, with the six missing individuals from the bridge collapse now presumed deceased. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) retrieved a data recorder from the cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, aiding officials in determining the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Factors such as potential power loss and contaminated fuel are under investigation, as recent years have seen an uptick in ship-related deficiencies, particularly in propulsion systems.
Divers are set to resume search efforts in the Patapsco River on Wednesday to locate the remaining missing individuals. Prior to the crash, Maryland authorities were able to warn workers and halt traffic following the ship’s distress call, mitigating further casualties.
Vessel traffic at the Port of Baltimore remains suspended as federal authorities strive to reopen the port expeditiously, albeit warning of potential supply chain disruptions.
President Biden has announced plans to visit Baltimore soon, assuring that the federal government will cover all expenses related to bridge repairs in Baltimore County. Meanwhile, here in the metro area, a special tribute was paid to Baltimore, with the 35W bridge illuminated in the colors of the Maryland state flag—red, white, and yellow.
This tragic event evokes memories of the collapse of the old 35W bridge in Minnesota 17 years ago, prompting reflections from former Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek, who recalls the emotional and physical toll exacted on first responders during that calamity.
The NTSB determined that the 35W bridge collapse stemmed from a design flaw in the gusset plates, highlighting the critical importance of infrastructure safety measures.
