State, local and federal officials continue to attempt to recover the bodies of construction workers who were plunged into the Patapsco River Tuesday morning when a Singapore-based cargo ship named the “Dali” left the Port of Baltimore and struck one of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s piles, causing it to collapse at approximately 1:30am.
Several maintenance personnel and multiple vehicles were on the bridge at the time of its collapse and authorities searched for six people who remained missing until later Wednesday morning. According to Maryland State Police Superintendent Col. Roland Butler, divers found and recovered the remains of two workers in a submerged vehicle.
“Because of the superstructure surrounding what we believe are the vehicles — and the amount of concrete and debris — Divers are no longer able to safely navigate and operate around that,” said Butler at a press briefing Wednesday afternoon. “We have exhausted all search efforts in the areas around this wreckage and based on sonar scans, we firmly believe that the vehicles are encased in the superstructure and concrete that we tragically saw come down.”
Because of those findings, Butler said authorities will transition from “a recovery mode to a salvage operation.”
“On behalf of the National Transportation Safety Board, I just want to extend our deepest, deepest condolences,” said Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chair. “You (the victims’ families) are in our thoughts and prayers as the days, months, years ahead go forward.”
First responders rescued two other maintenance workers from the water following the bridge’s collapse, one of whom went to the hospital and is in stable condition.
According to Homendy, response boat crews from the U.S. Coast Guard deployed Tuesday morning to assist in search-and-rescue efforts alongside a host of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Many of these organizations will continue to work together throughout the subsequent investigation.
“Our mission is to determine why something happened, how it happened and to prevent it from reoccurring again to save lives,” said Homendy.
The Key Bridge was part of a route for vehicles transporting hazardous materials to enter and exit the city of Baltimore. For the foreseeable future, motorists must use alternative routes via I-95 or I-895.
“There is no definitive timeline on this. Please be patient. Please keep the family members in mind,” said Butler.
Morgan President David Wilson issued a statement offering support to students shaken by the bridge collapse.
“This devastating event has undoubtedly shaken our city, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this catastrophe,” said Wilson.
For all updates regarding the Key Bridge collapse, visit: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com.
