Baltimore Key bridge collapses live updates: Urgent search and rescue efforts continue
Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: the aftermath
Headlines: Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
- Six workers missing and presumed dead in Baltimore Bridge collapse. They were part of a construction crew repairing potholes
- Authorities report two people were rescued from the water, one in serious condition
- Investigation underway to uncover what went wrong with the ontainer ship, Dali
- President Biden says it was an accident and has directed his team "to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible"
- What is the Baltimore Key Bridge daily traffic volume on the FDK bridge?
- What you need to know about the ship that crashed into the FSK bridge
Cargo ships on hold in Baltimore
It is being reported that a large number of cargo ships are having to hold outside Baltimore Port until the wreckage from the Key Bridge collapse has been cleared. There was some talk initially that these loads would be rerouted where possible.
Ravens send gratitude to first responders
In case you missed it before, the Baltimore Ravens sent out a statement about standing together with those affected from the bridge collapse.
'Our hearts go out to those who have been affected by the horrific Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse early this morning.
'We are grateful for the first responders and local leaders who are on scene to lead the search and rescue efforts and to support those families who have been most directly impacted.
'We know that the Baltimore community will stand together in the aftermath of this tragic event.'
Baltimore bridge was ‘up to code’
The fall of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has focused attention on the overall state of bridges across the US, many of which are considered to be in poor condition, according to The Guardian.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the tragedy, while the Maryland Governor Wes Moore assures the bridge was "fully up to code" at the time of the incident.
Six workers presumed dead in Baltimore bridge collapse
Six workers were missing and presumed dead from the collapsed Baltimore bridge after a massive cargo ship crippled by a power loss rammed into the structure, forcing the closure of one of the busiest ports on the US Eastern Seaboard.
With dive teams facing increasingly treacherous conditions in the darkened, wreckage-strewn waters, active search-and-rescue operations were suspended about 18 hours after the accident, US Coast Guard and Maryland State Police officials said.
Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath said there was no hope of finding the missing workers alive due to the frigid water and the length of time elapsed since the accident.
State Police Colonel Roland Butler said authorities hoped to return divers to the water after sunrise on Wednesday in an effort to recover the workers' remains.
(REUTERS)
I-35W bridge lit in honor of Maryland
The I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River will be lit red, white, yellow and black to represent the colors of Maryland's flag. The lights honor those injured or still missing, and the first responders following the tragedy in Baltimore.
Bridge collapse not an attack
Whenever tragedy strikes, it seems conspiracy theories soon follow. Experts want to put to rest any rumors that the bridge collapse was anything but an accident.
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, could cost ‘10 times more’ than when it was originally constructed.
Experts say that because of the pressures of traffic, the procurement process as well as the construction time will have to be greatly shortened. All these will mean much higher costs.
Dali container ship suffered collision in Belgium
The container ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge suffered a similar accident in Belgium almost eight years ago - less than a year after it first set sail.
Antwerp port authorities reported that the vessel MS Dali hit a quay on 11 July 2016, as it attempted to exit the North Sea container terminal. Weather conditions were reported as good at the time of the incident. The boxship sustained significant damage to several meters of its hull. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Reports state the Dali was detained in Antwerp after the incident.
A subsequent inspection of the ship found it had a structural issue, described as “hull damage impairing its seaworthiness".
Who will pay for the new Baltimore bridge?
With estimates that building a new bridge to service the Baltimore area will cost upwards of $600 million, the big question is who is going to foot the bill? In his speech on the tragedy from the White House this evening, President Biden announced that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing the bridge and reopening the port. Biden added that he expects Congress to agree to foot the cost.
"The port of Baltimore is one of the nation's largest shipping hubs and I've been there a number of times as a senator and as a vice president, Biden said "It handled a record amount of cargo last year. It's also the top port in America for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks. Around 850,000 vehicles go through that port every single year and we're going to get it up and running again as soon as possible - 15,000 jobs depend on that port. My team will move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanely possible. The people of Baltimore can count on us - we're not leaving until this job is done".
Why building a New Baltimore bridge will be a hugely expensive operation
Construction on the Francis Scott Key Bridge began in 1972 with the bridge officially opening on 23 March 1977. From start to finish, the initial cost of building the bridge was $60.3 million but estimated to have reached $110 million by the time it was completed. Adjusted for inflation, that's about $553 million in today's money.
Building a new bridge will cost at least $600 million, according to experts at engineering and architecture consultancy COWIfonden. "It's got to be built quickly because you've heard of the pressure on the commuter traffic. So that means it's going to be a lot more expensive and the process of procurement's going to have to be short cut hugely".
In the early hours of Tuesday morning the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by an errant shipping vessel and collapsed, sparking tragedy. The boat involved was apparently suffering a "loss of propulsion" that saw it plough into the structure.
Here's what that term 'loss of propulsion' could mean...
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a key piece of infrastructure for local residents in Baltimore and one that was utilised by the huge number of cargo trucks near to the port. The bridge is of real importance and local authorities will already be looking to the future.
How long would it take to fix the bridge? Is it even possible to repair? We take a look...
What did President Biden say about the Baltimore bridge collapse?
Early on Tuesday morning a ship crashed into a vehicular bridge in Baltimore, collapsing the structure and putting the lives of those at the scene in real danger. Within the last hour President Joe Biden has given a speech from the White House on the tragedy and outlined plans to restore the bridge usual federal funds.
Here's what he had to say...
Baltimore mayor shares support for Key Bridge victims
The shocking nature of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse will be a major trauma for those involved and the families and friends of anyone affected. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has sought to reassurance residents but the full extent of the tragedy is still unclear. Within the last hour Mayor Scott has shared this post offering details of support resources for those feeling distressed.
Maryland governor Wes Moore says the Dali’s crew sent out a distress call before the container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge early on Tuesday morning, allowing authorities to curb the flow of traffic onto the bridge.
Moore told reporters that the ship, which was travelling from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, was moving “at a very rapid speed”.
Leading the coordination of the rescue efforts is Baltimore’s fire chief, James Wallace. He was only nominated to the position by Mayor Brandon Scott on 23 August, 2023. The Francis Scott Key bridge is certainly a baptism by fire to begin the job.
Wallace boasts an impressive 33-year career with the Baltimore City Fire Department, making this experience crucial in rescue efforts like today.
Search continues for at least six missing people
The primary focus for authorities is currently on search and rescue efforts to locate the missing individuals and ensure the safety of everyone involved. This is evident in statements from Baltimore Fire Chief Kevin Cartwright who emphasised they are in a "dire emergency" trying to locate and recover people. There is no announcement of giving up yet
The search is ongoing for six people; another was rescued and is now in hospital.
Bridge collision "points to an accident" - Governor
Maryland Governor Wes Moore says: "Our state is in shock."
He also says there is no sign of foul play in the collapse.
“The preliminary investigation points to an accident. We haven’t seen any credible evidence of a terrorist attack.”
The tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early this morning has thrown Baltimore’s transportation network into chaos. With a vital section of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) severed, commuters and travelers face significant delays. The Outer Loop of I-695 is closed at Exit 2 and the Inner Loop is closed at Exit 43.
The Baltimore Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority are working to establish alternative routes and manage traffic flow. However, significant delays are inevitable.
A breakdown of alternative routes to navigate around the disaster zone
Sun rises in Baltimore on the collapsed bridge
Residents of Baltimore are waking up to the news of the destruction of the major bridge.
Rescue efforts continue for at least seven people.
Another press conference with the Maryland Transport Authority is expected to get underway in five to ten minutes. This follows a press conference that held by local authorities who provided an update of the search and rescue mission still underway.
Maryland Governor makes first comments following the FSK Bridge collapse
Governor Wes Moore has released a statement following the FSK Bridge collapse which occurred in Baltimore this morning. The governor said he is in contact with city, state, and federal officials as the search and rescue operation continues.
The Dali, the container ship that has caused the collapse of a major Baltimore bridge, sails under the flag of Singapore and is managed by Synergy Marine Group, a firm based in the Southeast Asian city-state. Search and rescue teams remain on the scene and have been able to pull two people out of the water so far this morning. Read more about the company behind the tragic incident.
Authorities and officials an update on the FSK Bridge collapse
The Baltimore Mayor and Fire Chief are speaking with the media to provide on the status of the search and rescue mission underway after a cargo ship crashed into the FSK Bridge early this morning. Reports that two people have been rescued, with authorities initially estimating twenty people to have fallen into the water. One of the people reduced was in critical condition and has been transported to a local hospital, and the team continues to search for at least seven people thought to still be in the water.
After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, questions circulate as to when the structure could be repaired.
Classified as a steel arch-shaped continuous through truss bridge, the Key Bridge wasn’t just a simple steel structure. Its main span was a continuous truss; a series of triangular steel frames acting together to bear immense weight. The weight of the bridge itself is not known.
Civil and structural engineer explains why entire bridge collapsed
Sky News spoke with Julian Carter, a civil and structural engineer, who explained why the whole bridge ended up collapsing.
Whereas some large bridges have their main structure disconnected from the rest of the bridge, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was interconnected, meaning "when you take out one part of it, the interconnected system fails," says Carter.
Police press conference to begin in 5 minutes
The Baltimore police will hold a press conference at 6:15 a.m. Maryland time.
State of emergency declared
Maryland governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency as rescuers continue to search for as many as 20 people in the Patapsco River.
Moore's statement:
"We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden administration. We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety. We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy."
Registered under the flag of Singapore, this maritime has an impressive array of specifications.
Vessel Profile:
Name: DALI
Ship Type: Container Ship
Flag: Singapore
Gross Tonnage: 95,128
Summer Deadweight (t): 116,851
Length Overall (m): 300
Beam (m): 48
Year of Build: 2015
The Key Bridge, part of the Interstare 695, is the outermost of the three toll bridges around Baltimore Harbor. Following the MD 695C ramp, the road elevated onto the Francis Scott Key Bridge, facilitating the passage of I-695 over the lower Baltimore Harbor and Patapsco River. Unlike the Fort McHenry or Baltimore Harbor tunnels, hazardous materials trucks were permitted to traverse the Key Bridge.
Dali ship involved in incident in 2016
The Dali cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was also part of a separate incident in 2016.
The Singapore-flagged vessel hit a quay at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium in 2016, though that incident had much less severe consequences. The ship was damaged, but there were no injuries or pollution.
Diesel fuel in water
Amongst the vehicles to fall into the water at the time of the collision was a tractor-trailer. Now it's believed that a large amount of diesel fuel has leaked into the Patapsco River.
Small boats and helicopters search for people in the water
The Coast Guard has deployed several small boats and helicopters as the search for as many as 20 people continues.
Live aerial footage of bridge
The Independent has provided live aerial footage of the bridge after the collapse.
Ship loses power, emits black smoke before collision
CCTV footage along with the marine tracking data for the Dali cargo ship show that it lost power for about 60 seconds at around 1:24 a.m. local time.
About a minute later, black smoke can be seen coming from the ship and the lights go out again for around two minutes this time.
Finally, at 1: 28 a.m., the ship hit the bridge, causing it to completely collapse just four seconds after the collision.
Cause of crash "most likely" a machinery error
Although the cause of the collision is still unknown, director of Maritime Risk and Safety Consultants Ltd David McFarlane said that it was "most likely" a machinery failure in the ship.
"The first thing that springs to my mind is: was there a sudden fault with the ship's engines or the steering gear? The other, of course, is: was there a navigational error?"
McFarlane said that due to the amount of crew on the ship, it's not likely that the crash was caused by human error, as someone would have noticed and prevented it.
"We just won't know until the authorities have been on board," said McFarlane. "And even then, they're unlikely to say what's been going on for some considerable time."
Baltimore mayor's ironic words in Monday night speech
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott delivered his annual state of the city address on Monday night. In it, he spoke about cleaning up the harbor. Hours later, the collapse occurred.
“Join me in this fight for the future and soul of our city, and show the world how beautiful Baltimore can be,” said Scott.
Promptly responding to the crisis, the Maryland Transportation Authority swiftly announced the complete closure of all lanes in both directions on I-695 Key Bridge, rerouting traffic to alternative routes.
Baltimore’s Mayor, confirming the presence of emergency responders at the scene, assured ongoing efforts to rescue those affected by the catastrophe.
Photos show extent of damage
Witnesses have posted photos of the incident to social media, which show the impact of the damage caused by this tragic event.
How cold is the water in the Baltimore Harbor?
Hypothermia is another concern as temperatures in the Baltimore Harbor are currently around 48 degrees Farenheit.
What is the Francis Scott Key Bridge?
The Baltimore Bridge that collapsed is the Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the writer of America's Star-Spangled Banner.
The 1.6-mile long bridge is part of the 695 highway that circles Baltimore. It was built in 1977 to provide an "attractive alternative" to avoid traffic jams in the Baltimore Harbor tunnel, according to the New York Times. It cost nearly $141 million to build back then.
Baltimore county executive Johnny Olszewski Jr is aware of the situation and in contact with the mayor and emergency authorities.
Up to 20 workers in the water
Baltimore fire department communications chief Kevin Cartwright originally reported that at least seven people were thought to be in the river afer the bridge collapsed.
Now, Cartwright says as many as 20 workers are believed to have fallen in the water.
All crew members accounted for
Synergy Marine Group has confirmed that the crashed Dali ship crew members have all been accounted for and no injuries occurred.
They have not yet confirmed what caused the accident, but have said that the ship was under the control of two pilots.
Marine Traffic shows ship stop at bridge
The ship that hit the bridge was a Singapore-flagged ship, Dali. Data from MarineTraffic shows that the Dali left Baltimore at 1am and was heading towards Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Ship was damaged in the accident
According to the Baltimore fire department officials on the scene, the ship which collided with the bridge has also sustained damage. The Baltimore Fire Department Battalion Chief also said that there were people on the crossing when the collision occurred.
Initial reports suggest that emergency responders were searching for at least seven people who were believed to be in the water. Speaking to the Associated Press, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, added that multiple vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer.
“Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” he told AP, although cautioned that it was too early to know how many people were affected. He called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event” and advised that there were “some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge,” creating unsafe and unstable conditions.
Footage of the collapse
Video shows tragic moment Baltimore bridge collapsed, sending several cars into the water
Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses in Baltimore
Early Tuesday morning, Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a cargo ship collided and struck the bridge. It sent several cars and people into the water and firefighters have arrived on the scene. We are bringing you the live updates as we receive them.