BALTIMORE — A bridge in Baltimore collapsed on Tuesday morning after it was struck by a container ship, leaving six people presumed dead.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was an accident. Moore said at least six people were still believed to be missing.
“Our state is in shock,” he said.
Two workers were rescued from the water, Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said. One suffered minor injuries while the other suffered more serious injuries but both are expected to make a full recovery.
President Joe Biden said he wants the federal government to pay for the reconstruction of the bridge but wants to work the Congress to get the funding needed.
“We’re gonna work with our partners in Congress to make sure the state gets the support it needs. It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge and I expect the Congress to support my effort,” Biden said in brief remarks from the White House.
The President said that it will take “some time” to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge but added he’s directing the federal government to “move heaven and earth” to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge “as soon as humanly possible.”
“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families — especially those waiting for the news of their loved one right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime. You just don’t know. It’s just terrible.”
The Port of Baltimore is one of the largest shipping hubs in the U.S. and is the top port in America for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks.
“We’re gonna get it up and running again as soon as possible…15,000 jobs depend on that port, and we’re going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers,” Biden said.
