Six individuals are feared dead in the aftermath of a tragic Baltimore Bridge collapse in Baltimore, USA. Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath, speaking at a press conference, expressed grave concerns, citing the cold water temperatures and harsh sea conditions as significant obstacles to survival. As a result, the US Coast Guard has ceased search and rescue operations.
The collapse occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning when a Singapore-flagged large container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery spanning 2.6 kilometers and supporting Interstate 695. The bridge, which opened to traffic in 1977, witnessed a catastrophic failure following a power outage on the vessel. Tragically, the six missing individuals, all road maintenance workers, were on the bridge conducting repairs when the incident transpired.
While two individuals were fortunate to be rescued from the Patapsco River, with one in critical condition, the fate of the others remains uncertain. President Joe Biden has pledged federal support for the reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the state receives the necessary assistance. The bridge, a lifeline for commuters with approximately 11.5 million vehicles crossing annually, stands as a symbol of tragedy and the urgent need for action.