Search and recovery continues as 6 presumed dead in Baltimore bridge collapse

We are now in the second day of this tragedy, a morning where the reality sinks in for the people here that it indeed happened. This morning, there is a palpable void as the road behind me leads to the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a landmark for decades, now obliterated by a massive container ship yesterday morning. While we commend the heroes of yesterday – the MayDay call, the police stopping traffic – we also mourn those who couldn’t be saved, the six construction workers now presumed dead.

It all unfolded rapidly. At 12:45 a.m. yesterday morning, the ship made a wide turn into the channel, but then something went awry. It slowed and veered off course before crashing into the bridge’s support structure. The lights flickered, and smoke billowed from the funnel just moments before impact. Authorities attribute the incident to the ship losing power, leaving it at the mercy of the tides and time.

Were it not for the MayDay call, giving officials a window to halt vehicle traffic, the outcome could have been even more devastating. So, two significant questions linger: why did it happen, and what’s the economic toll? We’ll explore both aspects, beginning with our senior Transportation correspondent, Chris Van Cleave, who joins me this morning. Chris, good to have you.

Furthermore, our focus remains on the recovery mission, with efforts underway to locate and retrieve the missing individuals. Despite extensive search efforts, including air, land, and sea resources, the chances of finding survivors diminish with each passing moment. However, the commitment to providing closure to the affected families remains steadfast.

Amidst the devastation, there’s also acknowledgment of the broader implications beyond the local community. The economic impact is not confined solely to the region but reverberates nationwide, given the critical role of the Port of Baltimore in facilitating the movement of goods and trade. With the port responsible for a significant portion of foreign cargo transportation, its impact extends far beyond Maryland, affecting industries and livelihoods across the country.

In the face of adversity, the community remains united, drawing strength from the support and solidarity pouring in from across the nation. Together, we mourn the loss, honor the heroes who responded with bravery, and reaffirm our commitment to rebuild and enhance resilience in the face of tragedy.