Witnesses Describe “Earthquake” – Key Bridge Collapse Prompts Baltimore State of Emergency – VIDEO

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TL;DR:

• The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being struck by a cargo ship that appeared to lose propulsion, causing a section of the 1.9-mile bridge to crash into the Patapsco River below.
• At least 7 vehicles fell into the water durimng the Key Bridge collapse, with 6 people still unaccounted for as a desperate search and rescue effort using sonar, dive teams, and helicopters continues to scan the wreckage.
• The catastrophic collapse has severed a vital interstate traffic artery, halted all port vessel operations, prompted Maryland’s governor to declare a state of emergency, and left the city reeling.
• Despite the harrowing nature of the disaster, a resolute determination to overcome this immense challenge echoes from leaders and residents alike as Baltimore bands together to rebuild from tragedy.

It was just after 1:20am on Tuesday morning when the unthinkable happened in Baltimore – the towering Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital bridge carrying over 34,000 vehicles per day across the harbor, violently crumbled into the Patapsco River below after being struck by a cargo ship. Residents who were jolted awake by the thunderous crash likened it to an “earthquake” shaking their homes, while onlookers could scarcely process the scene of the 1.9-mile bridge collapsing in a plume of smoke and debris. At least 6 people remain missing, and a critical interstate link has been severed, prompting Maryland‘s governor to declare a state of emergency as a desperate search for survivors ensues.

The Collapse Of The Francis Scott Key Bridge Caught On Video

John, a Baltimore resident who has lived in the shadow of the Key Bridge for 57 years, told WJZ that the collapse “sounded like a big bash of thunder.”

Video from the scene shows the devastating collision causing the Key Bridge Collapse. The Dali, a giant 948-foot Singapore-flagged container ship powering towards the bridge, its lights flickering ominously moments before impact. The vessel smashed directly into a bridge support column, instantaneously sending a massive section of the steel bridge thundering down in a terrifying collapse. Footage of the disaster was captured in horrifying detail by several maritime cameras.

Search and Rescue Efforts

In the immediate aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, a frantic search and rescue operation was launched. The U.S. Coast Guard quickly deployed response boats and helicopters to aid dive teams battling strong river currents and frigid 49-degree waters as they scanned for signs of life amidst the mangled wreckage scattered across the choppy surface.

So far, only 2 people have been pulled from the river alive, one requiring hospitalization. 6 are still missing.

According to officials, at least 7 vehicles were swallowed up when the bridge collapsed. Rescuers are using sonar technology to attempt to pick up the unmistakable shapes of vehicles submerged below. Holding out hope that any occupants may have survived the terrifying plunge into the cold water, rescuers are searching every inch of debris for potential air pockets.

Regional Impact Of The Key Bridge Collapse

Beyond the human toll, the catastrophic collapse has already had a severe impact across Baltimore. The Key Bridge spans the outer harbor as part of the vital Interstate 695 beltway loop, carrying over 12 million vehicles annually. With the artery now severed, detours and delays have snarled traffic while forcing cargo trucks to take lengthy alternate routes around the city.

Perhaps most significantly, all vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore has been halted – a crippling closure for one of the nation’s busiest seaports. As the economic impacts mount, Maryland Governor Wes Moore acted swiftly to declare a state of emergency to mobilize greater resources and federal aid.

While the investigation into the exact cause of the Key Bridge collapse is only beginning, all indications currently point to an unfortunate sequence of events – the container ship Dali reporting a loss of propulsion that caused it to veer dangerously off course just minutes before slamming into the Key Bridge’s support at full speed. The two pilots guiding the ship issued a frantic “mayday” call shortly before impact, audio obtained by the Baltimore Sun reveals. This disastrous event marks the second major incident for the Dali, which was also involved in a collision while leaving the Port of Antwerp, Belgium in 2016.

What’s Next For Baltimore?

Search efforts to locate any potential survivors is still the top priority. But many in the region are starting to wonder what comes next after the collapse of the Key Bridge. Arduous work lies ahead to clear the wreckage, replace the bridge, and restore critical maritime traffic to the port that serves as an economic engine for the region.

Yet in the wake of this tragedy, both leaders and residents alike are saying that this resilient city has endured immense challenges before and will undoubtedly emerge stronger.

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