US state of Maryland – Bridge collapse in Baltimore: search for missing persons ended – News

  • In Baltimore, Maryland, the multi-lane Key Bridge partially collapsed after a cargo ship rammed a pillar of the bridge.
  • According to the ship’s crew, there was a problem with the power supply and the ship suddenly lost propulsion.
  • According to rescue workers, several vehicles fell into the water.
  • The search for people who might have fallen into the water was stopped. Two people have now been rescued, and six others are believed to have died, according to authorities.

The missing people were construction workers who were working on the bridge at the time of the collapse. It is assumed that six other missing people died given the depth of the water and the time that had passed since the collapse. This was announced by a senior executive at the construction company.

The first emergency calls were received around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday night (local time), the New York Times and CBS News reported, citing the coast guard and the fire department.

Supply chain problems loom


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According to US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the collapse of the car bridge also has economic consequences. Because of the importance of the port behind it, we are already preparing for supply chain problems, “which we know will come,” said Buttigieg at a press conference on site. These would then not only affect the region around Baltimore, “but the entire US economy”.

After the incident, the responsible port authority suspended shipping traffic until further notice. According to Buttigieg, the main part of the port lies behind the collapsed bridge. According to US President Joe Biden, it is one of the most important maritime contact points in the USA – especially for the import and export of cars and small trucks. According to this, around 850,000 vehicles are shipped via the port of Baltimore every year. Around 15,000 jobs depend on it.

Governor declares state of emergency

The freighter rammed one of the bridge’s supports, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and fall into the water. The ship caught fire, producing thick, black smoke. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in the US state following the bridge collapse.

The governor said the preliminary investigation indicates an accident. There is no credible evidence of terrorism. According to the crew, there was a problem with the power supply.

According to official information, the crew sent out a distress signal shortly before the collision. According to Wes Moore, officials were able to stop traffic to prevent more cars from entering the bridge thanks to the emergency signal.

US President Biden announces support


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After the bridge collapse, US President Joe Biden announced extensive financial support. “I intend for the federal government to cover the entire cost of rebuilding this bridge,” he said at a news conference in Washington. “And I expect Congress to support my efforts.”

He promised Maryland Governor Wes Moore to take every measure to rebuild the bridge and reopen the Port of Baltimore, which lies just behind the Francis Scott Key Bridge, “as quickly as humanly possible.” The responsible port authority had previously suspended shipping traffic there until further notice.

Six people probably died

The number of missing people is preliminary and could still rise, it was said. According to the fire department, two people have been rescued from the water so far. One person was taken to a hospital in serious condition, the Baltimore fire chief said. The search for additional people was stopped on Tuesday afternoon (local time).

Five vehicles were identified under water, including three cars and a concrete mixer. Authorities did not initially say whether there were people in the vehicles.

The low air and water temperatures are cause for great concern, and not just with regard to the casualties, said Baltimore fire department spokesman Kevin Cartwright to CNN. “This can be a concern and a risk for our divers.”

There were no injuries on the ship, it said on Tuesday morning (local time) in a statement that was available to the New York Times. The ship “Dali” was supposed to sail from Baltimore to Sri Lanka under the Singapore flag, the New York Times and CBS News reported, citing the Coast Guard.

Serving since 1977

The Francis Scott Key Bridge leads over the harbor of the metropolis in the northeast of the USA. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, it is more than 2.5 kilometers long and has four lanes. It spanned the Patapsco River and was a major artery that, along with the Port of Baltimore, is a hub for shipping on the East Coast. It was opened in 1977.

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