- By Vivek Raj
- Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:36 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
US President Joe Biden commended local authorities for their swift action following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, one of the nation's busiest arteries. The collapse occurred on Tuesday after a massive freight ship struck the bridge. Biden specifically acknowledged the crew of the ship, many of whom were Indians.
In his address, Biden highlighted the crucial role played by the personnel on board the ship, who promptly alerted the Maryland Department of Transportation about losing control of their vessel. This timely alert allowed local authorities to close the bridge to traffic before the collision, potentially saving lives.
"Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel, as you all know and have reported. As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives," Biden said in his address.
"We're incredibly grateful for the brave rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene," Biden stated, acknowledging the efforts of emergency responders.
The incident occurred when the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali, carrying a full cargo bound for Sri Lanka, collided with a concrete pier supporting the bridge. Within moments, a major portion of the bridge collapsed into roughly 50 feet of cold water below.
Although all 22 crew members of the ship were unharmed and safely accounted for, six repairmen working on the bridge at the time of the collapse remain missing. They were part of a construction crew tasked with repairing potholes on the bridge.
Biden announced that the federal government would bear the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge. Responding to questions about accountability, Biden asserted that the government's priority is to expedite the bridge's reconstruction rather than await investigations into liability.
Meanwhile, authorities have closed the port "until further notice," diverting traffic away from the bridge as rescue efforts continue. The collapse is anticipated to have a significant impact on the region, affecting traffic in and around Baltimore and causing potential delays in shipping due to debris obstructing the waterway.
