President Biden called the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge a "terrible accident" and called on Congress to support a quick rebuild with federal funds.
A major portion of the Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday after a large shipping vessel ran into one of its support structures.
Speaking from the White House on Tuesday afternoon, Biden said, "Our prayers are with everyone involved."
Earlier Biden posted on X that he directed his administration to "ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident."
This morning, I convened senior members of my team for a briefing on the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 26, 2024
I've directed my Administration to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident. pic.twitter.com/quqe7jogwm
The president added in his afternoon remarks that he wants the federal government to pay the entire cost for the bridge's reconstruction, and called on Congress to coordinate.
"We're going going to rebuild that port together," Biden said. "We're going to get it up and running as soon as possible."
An active search and rescue mission was continuing into Tuesday afternoon, Maryland state officials said after the sun came up.
Bridge collapse key points
- At least 4 vehicles located in water
- 50 divers in water
- 6 people believed missing
- No apparent link to terrorism
- Ship lost power before hitting bridge
The Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel Dali crashed into the bridge at around 1:30 a.m. after losing power. The incident caused multiple vehicles to fall into the river below.
"We have an unspeakable tragedy," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said.
Officials said there were no confirmed fatalities during a Tuesday morning news conference but rescue operations were still underway.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said about 50 divers were in the water for the search.
They had located three passenger vehicles in the water and a cement truck. There is one other possible vehicle that was located, Wallace said. It is believed that all of the vehicles were conntected to the contruction crew.
The ship lost power and declared a mayday before hitting the bridge. State officials say bridge workers immediately closed the bridge to vehicle traffic and that may have saved lives.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said there was no indication of a connection to terrorism and appeared the impact to be an accident.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld said crews faced a "very tough situation" conducting rescue operations in the frigid water.
"All [Dali] crew members, including the two pilots, have been accounted for, and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution," the firm said in a statement obtained by the shipping news outlet TradeWinds.
According to Shipwreck Log and VesselFinder, the ship was previously involved in an incident in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016 and the ship had just left Baltimore to head toward Sri Lanka when she struck the bridge.
Baltimore Bridge Collapse 2024
Multiple vehicles fell into the water as the bridge collapsed; authorities continued efforts Tuesday afternoon to rescue six construction workers who were doing maintenance work on the bridge at the time of the incident.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said two people were pulled from the water. One of them was able to walk away without medical care. The other person was in very serious condition at a hospital.
"There's many more we have to find," Mayor Scott said. "This is an all hands on deck situation."
"This is a dire emergency. Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people," Baltimore Fire Department communication director Kevin Cartwright said, adding that it was too early to know how many people were affected but called the collapse a "developing mass casualty event."
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that he had offered his support to the state and city.
"Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response," he wrote on X.
I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 26, 2024
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and spans the Patapsco River. It is a vital artery that, along with the Port of Baltimore, is a hub for shipping on the US East Coast. The bridge carries Interstate 695 over the Patapsco.
From a vantage point near the entrance to the bridge, jagged remnants of its steel frame protrude from the water. An on-ramp now ends abruptly where the fallen span once began.
