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Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Six workers are feared dead after a cargo ship collision caused a bridge collapse in Baltimore Harbor, disrupting one of the busiest ports on the US Eastern Seaboard.
Dive teams faced hazardous conditions in dark waters strewn with wreckage, leading to the suspension of active search-and-rescue operations 18 hours after the accident. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath stated that due to the cold water and time elapsed, there was no hope of finding survivors.
Our heartfelt condolences to all affected by the unfortunate accident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
For any Indian citizens that may be affected/ require assistance, the Embassy of India has created a dedicated hotline: please reach out to us on +1-202-717-1996.…
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) March 26, 2024
The Singapore-flagged container vessel, Dali, collided with a support pylon of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a section of the span to crumple into the river. While two survivors were rescued, six workers remain missing and presumed dead. The ship had reported a power failure before the collision.
The closure of one of the country’s busiest shipping lanes will have a significant impact on supply chains, according to US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The Port of Baltimore, a major hub for automobile cargo, handles over 750,000 vehicles annually.
President Joe Biden praised the quick response of the US Coast Guard and Maryland transportation officials. The National Transportation Safety Board has deployed investigators to the scene, with personnel from Singapore safety agencies expected to arrive soon.
Witnesses described the collapse as a shocking sight, with the bridge serving as a crucial link between New York and Washington. The incident has sparked concerns about transportation disruptions and the safety of vital infrastructure.
