Search resumes for victims in Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJW)- The water search will resume this morning for the six victims of Baltimore’s tragic Francis Scott Key bridge collapse. All six people are now presumed dead.
Search crews were scheduled to start looking for the victims again at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Tuesday night the search was called off when conditions became too dangerous for divers.
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Officials said the bridge collapse, caused by a cargo ship that happened early Tuesday morning, appears to be an accident. They report a power issue on the ship may be to blame as it lost power moments before it struck the bridge.
The National Transportation Safety Board chair said they are in contact with officials in Singapore — where the vessel is from. Personnel from the country will be on the scene Wednesday.
There was a mayday warning call over the radio that the ship lost steering capabilities and was headed toward the bridge. Within 90 seconds police officers responded and managed to stop vehicle traffic over the bridge in both directions. An officer was about to drive onto the bridge to alert a construction crew but it was too late, the vessel smashed into the pillar. Eight people from that crew who were filling potholes went into the water. Two of them survived.
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Many are now concerned about the economic impact on the area and the entire country. The Port of Baltimore is the ninth busiest port in the country, handling massive shipments of cars and farming supplies as well as serving as a terminal for major cruise lines.
President Biden said the federal government will help fund the rebuilding process.
The Transportation Secretary has promised support to help the flow of goods.
“Our Maritime Administration will help with Port Harbor and supply chain operations,” said Pete Buttigieg. “Our Federal Highway Administration will assist when it comes to the bridge itself, and any ways that we can help ease roadway congestion.”
With ship traffic in and out of the port of Baltimore suspended indefinitely, cargo companies are now trying to figure out how to reroute hundreds of vessels.
As for the victims, they are from Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Many of them leave behind spouses and children. Their coworkers said the crew was on a break at the time and some were sitting in their trucks when the bridge was hit.
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