Early Tuesday morning, a catastrophic incident unfolded in the U.S. port of Baltimore as a 948-foot container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a significant portion of the bridge to collapse. The collision, occurring in darkness, resulted in cars and individuals plummeting into the Patapsco River below.

Rescue efforts are underway, with two survivors already retrieved—one in critical condition—while an uncertain number of individuals remain missing. Baltimore officials have confirmed that at least seven people are believed to have been thrown into the water, though exact figures remain elusive.

The U.S. Coast Guard swiftly responded to the collapse, launching an active search and rescue mission. The vessel involved, the Dali, owned by Grace Ocean Pte Ltd and managed by Synergy Marine Corp, reportedly lost propulsion as it departed the port, leading to the collision with the bridge.

The impact of the incident extends beyond the immediate rescue operations, as the closure of one of the busiest ports in the United States threatens to disrupt the flow of goods, including automobiles, coal, and various commodities. Experts anticipate potential bottlenecks and increased delays along the Northeastern seaboard.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency, with Governor Wes Moore deploying federal resources to manage the crisis. The FBI is on-site to investigate, though there are no indications of terrorism. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse marks a rare event in U.S. infrastructure history, with parallels drawn to the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis. Immediate concerns include the search for survivors, assessment of structural damage, and the restoration of port operations.

The Dali, chartered by shipping company Maersk, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. While the cause of the collision remains under investigation, all crew members, including the pilots, have been reported safe.

As rescue efforts continue amidst the wreckage, the focus shifts to addressing the logistical and economic ramifications of the incident. With the closure of the port, attention turns to mitigating disruptions to supply chains and restoring vital transportation infrastructure.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the need for robust safety measures in maritime operations. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will work to determine the precise sequence of events leading to this tragic event.