Written by Elijah Souferzadeh

During the early hours of March 26, 2024, Baltimore was struck by a shocking maritime incident as a cargo ship collided with a bridge. The collision occurred at the Francis Scott Key Bridge, along the harbor. The ship had hit one of the supporting infrastructures of the bridge, causing the rest to fall immediately. The incident prompted immediate response efforts and raised questions about safety protocols and navigational practices. Eyewitnesses described the moment of impact as surreal and terrifying. The massive vessel appeared to lose control, veering off course before slamming into the bridge. In the video taken of the collapse, you can see multiple cars on the bridge that fell into the harbor when it was struck by the ship. In addition, the lights on the ship went out seconds before the accident. Unfortunately, authorities have already found six dead and several injured.

The incident reignited discussions about the safety measures for maritime navigation, particularly in congested waterways such as Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Questions arose regarding the factors leading to the collision, including potential human error or mechanical failure. Authorities swiftly launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash and evaluate any lapses in safety protocols. 

As the investigation unfolds, the accident serves as a reminder of the risks with maritime transportation and the importance of safety measures to prevent such accidents in the future. It also highlights the resilience of communities in the face of challenges, as Baltimore works towards recovery and recounts its approach to ensuring the safety and security of its waterways.