Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaking after bridge collapse – In the early hours of March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed following a catastrophic collision with a Singapore-flagged cargo ship named Dali. This tragic event, which has been described as an “unthinkable tragedy” and a “mass casualty event,” has left the city and the nation in shock and mourning. The bridge, named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was a critical infrastructure serving the Port of Baltimore, a hub for East Coast shipping, and was used daily by approximately 31,000 people.
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The Maryland Governor, Wes Moore, declared a state of emergency in response to the collapse, emphasizing the need for interagency cooperation and the deployment of federal resources from the Biden Administration. Governor Moore expressed gratitude towards the emergency services personnel leading the rescue efforts and prayed for the safety of all involved. The Governor’s statement underscored the importance of close coordination with federal, state, and local entities in the ongoing response to the tragedy.
The Baltimore Mayor, Brandon M. Scott, and the Baltimore County Executive, Johnny Olszewski Jr., also addressed the situation, offering prayers for the impacted families and expressing gratitude towards the first responders. The Mayor highlighted the massive impact of the collapse, likening it to an earthquake, and the County Executive warned of the long road ahead in terms of both rescue efforts and the consequences of the collapse.
The Maryland Transportation Authority reported that all lanes on the bridge were closed, and traffic was being detoured to I-95 and I-895. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered support and guidance for drivers in the Baltimore area, emphasizing the importance of following local responder guidance on detours and response.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the Port of Baltimore, which handled a record amount of cargo in the previous year. The collapse of the bridge, which was part of Interstate 695, has led to significant disruptions in the region, affecting both local and national commerce. The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched a team to Baltimore to investigate the collapse, promising to hold a news briefing to provide further insights into the incident.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, opened in 1977, was a symbol of Baltimore’s infrastructure and its role in the nation’s maritime trade. The collapse has not only resulted in immediate loss of life and injury but also raises questions about the safety and resilience of similar structures across the country. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining and regularly inspecting critical infrastructure to prevent such catastrophic events.
In the aftermath of the collapse, the focus remains on the rescue and recovery efforts, with the community coming together to support those affected. The tragedy has also sparked discussions about the need for improved safety measures and regulations for maritime traffic in the Port of Baltimore, ensuring the safety of both the port and the surrounding communities.
