Image credit: IMAGES OF THE DAY.
A major bridge in Baltimore, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, suffered a catastrophic collapse early Tuesday morning. The cause? A collision with a massive container ship, the “Dali.”
The incident unfolded as the Dali was leaving port. Alarms blared as the ship’s crew reported a sudden loss of control, throwing the vessel off course. Despite heroic efforts, the Dali slammed into a key support column, sending sections of the bridge plunging into the Patapsco River.
The authorities believe as many as seven people may be missing, but they have thankfully rescued two individuals. They are still in the process of determining the human cost. This tragedy marks the worst bridge disaster in the US since the Tampa Skyway Bridge collapsed in 1980.
What Went Wrong?
The Dali’s voyage ended in disaster, but the reason for its loss of control remains under investigation. However, some key details are emerging:
- Loss of Power: The Dali reportedly lost propulsion while exiting the harbor. This crucial information suggests a major mechanical issue.
- Desperate Maneuvers: With cameras capturing the terrifying moments before impact, the ship’s lights flickered out twice, hinting at a complete blackout. An emergency generator kicked in, but it appears steering was hampered.
- Limited Options:Â Without propulsion and lacking tugboat assistance (not mandatory for navigating under this bridge), the massive ship became a runaway giant. Even with its anchor deployed (unclear if deployed before or after impact), the Dali was unstoppable.
A Race Against Time
The search for survivors continues, but the focus is now shifting towards recovery. Investigators are piecing together the events leading to this tragedy, hoping to prevent similar disasters in the future.