Tragedy struck early Tuesday morning in Baltimore as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed following a collision with a cargo ship. The incident claimed the lives of two construction workers who were on the bridge at the time.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has described the collapse as a 'global crisis,' emphasizing the critical role of the Port of Baltimore in the national and world economy. The port, known for handling a significant volume of cars and farm equipment, plays a vital role in trade.
The victims of the collapse, hailing from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, include Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera. Recovery efforts have been challenging, with divers facing unsafe conditions due to debris encasing additional vehicles.
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the incident, with a focus on the cargo ship's crew and hazardous materials involved in the crash. The investigation is expected to take 12 to 24 months to complete.
Looking ahead, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding the bridge but has assured that it will be done. The priorities include reopening the port, addressing supply chain disruptions, rebuilding the bridge, and managing traffic concerns during the reconstruction process.
President Biden has pledged full federal support for the response and recovery efforts, with Maryland already seeking emergency relief funds to aid in the reconstruction efforts.
