A harrowing audio clip of Baltimore officials trying to manage the catastrophe as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in front of their eyes has emerged.
The bridge in Maryland plunged into the Patapsco River after it was struck by a cargo ship, the Dali, early on Tuesday morning. Two people have been rescued, but six more who got lost in the river are still unaccounted for.
The ship's crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash, allowing authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the bridge just seconds before the disaster. But just 90 seconds after the mayday call, another call reported that the bridge had collapsed.
READ MORE: Baltimore bridge collapse witnesses describe 'warzone' scenes as crash sounded like 'earthquake'
After the bridge collapsed and sunk into the water, just the ends are left jutting out (EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock)The audio of Baltimore officials rushing to stop traffic on the bridge seconds before it collapsed is harrowing. One officer is heard saying: "I need one of you guys on the south side, one of you guys on the north side, hold all traffic on the Key Bridge. There's a ship approaching that just lost their steering so until we get that under control, we've got to stop all traffic."
FBI opens criminal investigation into Baltimore Key Bridge collapse
The officers discussed whether they could get a crew working on the bridge to temporarily leave the structure but it was too late as just seconds later another officer witnessed the bridge crumbling. He can be heard saying: "The whole bridge just fell down. Start, start whoever ... everybody. The whole bridge just collapsed."
Another person can be heard saying: "I can't get to the other side, sir. The bridge is down."
Cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge (Getty Images)Moments before the crash, operators of the Dali cargo ship issued a distress call, reporting a loss of power. But despite the warning, the vessel continued towards the bridge at "a very, very rapid speed," according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and struck one of its supports causing a catastrophic collapse. The destruction was followed by a fire engulfing the ship, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air.
Up-close photo shows the aftermath of Francis Scott Key bridge after it is hit by a cargo ship (EyePress News/REX/Shutterstock)A witness, Nancy, said the scene was "like a warzone." "I didn't believe it, to tell you the truth. And I came downstairs and looked out, and it's flabbergasting," she said. "The helicopter pilot went out to the bay and he said look like a parking lot out there. The ships waiting to come in. Now, where are they going to go?"
Rescuers are still searching for multiple people, while two survivors have been pulled from the Patapsco River (Getty Images)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
Managed by Synergy Marine Group, the ship was under the guidance of one or more local pilots, and specialised navigators aiding in safe port navigation. During an inspection in June in Chile, a problem with the ship's propulsion and auxiliary machinery had been identified, though details remained scant.
The most recent inspection by the US Coast Guard in New York last September found no deficiencies, according to Equasis data. However, experts noted that the bridge lacked pier protection, rendering it vulnerable to such collisions.
US President Joe Biden pledged federal support for the bridge's reconstruction (AFP via Getty Images)Kevin Cartwright, Baltimore Fire Department's communications director, described the collapse as a "developing mass casualty event." The ship's timely warning allowed authorities to restrict traffic on the bridge, mitigating potential further casualties.
US President Joe Biden pledged federal support for the bridge's reconstruction during a statement on Tuesday. The incident underscored the risks associated with maritime transport infrastructure, with statistics revealing previous similar tragedies both in the U.S. and globally.
In response to the disaster, all ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore has been halted indefinitely, though land-based operations continue. The port, a vital hub for East Coast shipping, handles millions of tons of cargo annually.
State of emergency declared over bridge collapse amid 'mass casualty event'
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
