US bridge collapse: 6 missing workers presumed dead; Biden thanks Indian crew for prompt action

Baltimore in the US state of Maryland witnessed a tragic event unfold on early Tuesday when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship.

The catastrophic event happened at around 1.30 am (US local time) on Tuesday caused major disruption and prompted emergency response efforts.

The 2.57 km-long Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore city collapsed after it was hit by a container ship.

However, before the collapse, the crew members had issued mayday call because of which the traffic on the bridge was stopped which saved lives.

US President Joe Biden have thanked the Indian crew members aboard the ship to being able to alert authorities that they lost control of their vessel.

Unfortunately, a crew of eight construction workers who were working on the bridge at the moment, fell in the water due to the collapse.

According to US Coast Guard, two people were pulled from the water one in a serious condition and one apparently uninjured but six others likely drowned due to cold water temperatures and hours spent under the surface.

The major search and rescue operation that lasted all day was suspended until Wednesday.

What exactly happened:
The Singapore-flagged container ship named Dali, which had 22 Indian crew members aboard, lost power and collided with a pillar of the bridge, resulting in a swift and devastating collapse. 

The impact sent a construction crew working on the bridge into the water, with eight members falling into the river. Tragically, six individuals remain missing and are presumed dead.

According to BBC, the ship currently operated by the charter vessel company Synergy Group had been temporarily leased by the container shipping giant Maersk which, in a statement said it was carrying cargo for Maersk customers but that no company personnel were on board at the time.

The bridge was a main thoroughfare for drivers between New York and Washington who wanted to avoid downtown Baltimore.

Rescue Efforts:
Authorities swiftly mobilized search and rescue operations, with initial efforts focused on locating and saving those impacted by the collapse. However, as time passed, the operation transitioned to a recovery mission, acknowledging the challenging circumstances and the need to retrieve the missing workers.

Impact and Future Plans:
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has significant implications for Baltimore and the broader East Coast region. The loss of this vital infrastructure element is expected to disrupt shipping traffic at the Port of Baltimore, a critical hub for commerce. The incident has also raised concerns about the logistical challenges that lie ahead in rebuilding and restoring normalcy to the affected area.

Rebuilding of the bridge:
President Biden has pledged federal support for the reconstruction of the bridge, emphasizing the importance of restoring the port's operations promptly. The administration is committed to working with Congress to fund the rebuilding efforts and address the economic repercussions of the collapse.