The Baltimore Bridge collapses after being struck by a container ship.
The Baltimore bridge collapses into the Patapsco River on Tuesday after being struck by a container.
After the incident, rescue workers in Baltimore are scrambling to save the lives of dozens of people following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The accident left a dozen cars and workers hit into the water
Consequences of the collision with a container ship, the Singaporean-flagged "Dali," caused the bridge to crumble, leaving dozens of people and vehicles in the water.
According to the report, at least a dozen cars and 20 construction workers were on the bridge when it collapsed.
The water temperature is a dangerous 47 degrees Fahrenheit, raising concerns about hypothermia for those who have fallen in.
CCTV reveals the ship's condition before the impact
Newly released CCTV footage sheds light on the moments leading up to the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the incident's full human cost remains undetermined.
Smoke and potential power loss
The footage reveals the cargo ship's condition before the collision. Seconds prior to impact, the vessel appears to be emitting significant black smoke. There are also indications of potential power loss, though this remains unconfirmed.
Former British Navy Admiral Chris Parry spoke to Sky News, offering insights based on the video.
He emphasized the importance of proper navigation, stating, "It just shows how fragile maritime infrastructure is if you don't get things right."
Admiral Parry acknowledged the night-time occurrence, suggesting a potentially lower number of casualties due to reduced bridge traffic. He also noted the ship's position, appearing "to the left of the channel, to the port hand side."
Smoke interpretation and cause speculation
Parry further analyzed the smoke, suggesting the captain might have attempted to reverse engines at full power just before impact. He examined the possibility of steering or electrical failure but found those less likely.
The Admiral pointed to the potential for a course deviation and the role of traffic control systems in issuing warnings. He concluded by highlighting the bridge's vulnerability, stating, "a real tragedy and the trouble with a bridge like this, if you take one pier out then everything is going to come down."
Watching the video:
