The Baltimore Sun
Contributions will aid rescue and recovery operations in Baltimore following the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Funds will provide essential support to the affected families and individuals, assist with emergency response efforts, and contribute to the reconstruction and safety assessments of infrastructure impacted by this tragedy.
In a shocking incident early Tuesday morning, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, experienced a catastrophic collapse after being struck by a large ship. Rescue teams have been deployed to search for at least seven people reported to have fallen into the Patapsco River as a result of the collapse. The incident has led to a massive emergency response, with local officials and the Coast Guard actively involved in rescue operations.
The disaster unfolded when a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, identified as the Dali, collided with one of the bridge’s support columns, causing a significant section of the 1.6-mile, four-lane bridge to crumble into the river below. The bridge, an essential link of Interstate-695 and a critical part of Baltimore’s harbor infrastructure, was enveloped in smoke and fire immediately following the impact. This event has been termed a developing mass casualty situation by local emergency officials, with ongoing efforts to rescue and recover individuals affected by the collapse.
The bridge, which opened in 1977 and serving as a vital artery for the Baltimore Beltway, is now the focus of a thorough investigation and recovery operation. Local officials, including the Baltimore Mayor and the Maryland Transportation Authority, have urged the public to avoid the area and are working to manage the fallout from this unprecedented event.
As rescue operations continue, the community and state officials have rallied to support those impacted, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate and long-term assistance.
