Emergency responders in Baltimore were caught in a tense and chaotic situation after a cargo ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge early on a Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse completely. The operators of the Dali cargo ship had issued a mayday call moments before the crash, indicating that the vessel had lost power. Despite the warning, the ship continued to approach the bridge at a high speed, ultimately striking one of the supports and causing the collapse of the span. Dispatch audio revealed that construction workers were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, with some potentially falling into the water below, prompting a call for a dive team.
The situation was further complicated by the collapse of the main portion of the bridge, which caused vehicles to plummet and become submerged in the water. The dispatchers also reported that police were stopping vehicles from entering the bridge and described the incident as a “mass casualty” event. Two people were rescued following the collapse, but six construction workers who were repairing potholes on the bridge were still missing and presumed dead. The cargo ship, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd., was traveling at a speed of 8 knots when the crash occurred. All crew members had been accounted for, with no reports of injuries on the vessel.
An inspection of the Dali cargo ship last June in Chile identified a problem with the ship’s propulsion and auxiliary machinery, related to gauges and thermometers. The most recent inspection by the U.S. Coast Guard in New York in September did not identify any deficiencies. The 47-year-old Francis Scott Key Bridge was rated in fair condition by federal inspectors, but experts noted that it lacked pier protection that could have potentially prevented the collapse. Despite the lack of protection, the ship was able to send out a warning that allowed authorities to limit traffic on the span, and the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning, before the busy rush hour.
The chaotic incident highlighted the dangers faced by emergency responders in responding to such disasters. The dispatch audio captured the urgency and complexity of the situation as responders worked to rescue individuals who were affected by the bridge collapse. The collapse of the bridge had devastating consequences, with several construction workers missing and presumed dead. The cargo ship’s previous inspection history raised questions about potential mechanical issues that may have contributed to the crash, although the most recent inspection did not identify any deficiencies.
The efficient response by emergency services and the timely warning from the cargo ship helped to minimize the impact of the incident. Despite the tragic loss of life and damage caused by the collapse, the situation could have been much worse if not for the quick actions taken by all involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future. The aftermath of the collapse will undoubtedly lead to further investigations and inquiries into the cause of the incident, as well as efforts to improve safety measures for bridges and shipping vessels in the future.
