Cargo Ship Disaster Claims Six Lives, Disrupts City's Infrastructure

In the early hours of a fateful night in Baltimore, a cargo ship named DALI embarked on its journey from the city's docks. However, within a mere 20 minutes, disaster struck as the vessel lost power and control.

As DALI drifted towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a desperate mayday call alerted authorities to the impending danger. Traffic was halted, but a work crew repairing potholes remained unaware of the approaching threat.

At 1:28:48am, the ship collided with the bridge, causing its roadway to collapse like a stack of Jenga blocks. Vehicles and workers were plunged into the icy river water below. The entire ordeal unfolded in a matter of 30 seconds.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the Patapsco River, where they pulled two workers from the water alive. However, six others were presumed to have perished. Search efforts were hampered by poor visibility and treacherous currents.

The 300-meter ship remained afloat, its containers still intact. Traffic at the port was suspended, disrupting shipping in the region. The loss of the bridge also caused significant traffic congestion across Baltimore, forcing motorists to rely on alternative crossings.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital transportation link for the city, was one of three ways to cross the Baltimore Harbour. Its collapse left a gaping hole in the city's infrastructure, with the potential for long-term traffic disruptions and economic consequences.