U.S. President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that eight people are missing in the Baltimore bridge collapse, two of whom have been rescued and efforts continue to rescue the remaining six.
Biden also said that ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice and that shipping lanes will be cleared before ship traffic resumes.
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“Officials on the ground estimate eight people are missing. That number could change. Two rescued, one unharmed, one missing,” President Biden said at a press conference. He is in a critical condition and search and rescue operations continue for all of them.” Those who remain as we speak. ”
But he also said there was “no indication” that there was any “deliberate” action here.
“Everything so far indicates this was a terrible accident. At this point, there is no indication or basis for anything other than to believe there was an intentional act,” Biden said.
“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and with all their families, especially those who are now waiting to hear of the death of a loved one. In those circumstances, every minute is like a lifetime. I know what it feels like,” he added.
President Biden thanked rescue workers and Baltimore residents and assured that the federal government would pay for the full cost of rebuilding the bridge.
“We are deeply grateful to the brave rescuers and people of Baltimore who were immediately on the scene…We will be with you for as long as it takes…Search and Rescue Activism is our top priority,'' the president said.
He added: “Vessel traffic in the Port of Baltimore is suspended until further notice, and the lane must be cleared before vessel traffic can resume…The federal government will be responsible for the full cost of reconstruction. That is my intention,” he added. That bridge…the people of Baltimore are counting on us. ”
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after being struck by a large ship.
In response to the incident, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Monday.
Earlier, Biden convened his team's leaders and directed his administration to assist with search and rescue efforts in the “terrible” incident.
“This morning, I convened senior members of my team for a briefing on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Directed that all federal resources be made available to the United States. Posted by Biden on X.
The bridge is located south of Baltimore and spans more than 2.4 miles across the Patapsco River. It opened in March 1977 and serves as a major connection point, The Hill reported.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has undergone various renovations over the years but was “up to code,” Gov. Moore said Tuesday.
More than 12.4 million vehicles crossed the Key Bridge in 2023, according to data collected by NewsNation. Moore added that the bridge serves about 30,000 commuters each day.
