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Construction disaster occurred on Tuesday, March, 26: Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland collapsed after a ship collision. Devastating accident sent at least seven cars with people plunging into the river below.

Francis Scott Key Bridge crumpled into the water because of a container ship smashing into a four-lane bridge in the U.S. port of Baltimore on Tuesday, March 26. Devastating accident occurred at night on Patapsco River. Rescue team saved the lives of only two people; survivors were pulled out from the river. One of them is in very serious condition, suffering Baltimore personal injuries. The exact number of fatalities has not been disclosed; rescue and search operations are ongoing. The Baltimore City Fire Department had previously revealed that there could be as many as 20 individuals in the river, along with “numerous vehicles, and possibly a tractor-trailer or a vehicle of similar size.”

On Tuesday, in the darkness, a container ship collided with a four-lane bridge at the port of Baltimore, causing it to collapse and resulting in cars and individuals plummeting into the river below. Rescuers managed to retrieve two survivors, with one in critical condition, and are currently searching for more in the Patapsco River. Significant portions of the 1.6-mile (2.57 km) Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the water. According to authorities’ statements, citing a U.S. intelligence report, the ship experienced a loss of propulsion while departing from the port, and the crew alerted Maryland officials about losing control of the vessel. Baltimore officials indicated that at least seven vehicles fell into the water, although they were unable to provide an exact count. Spokesperson for the Baltimore City Fire Department, had previously revealed that there could be as many as 20 individuals in the river, along with “numerous vehicles, and possibly a tractor-trailer or a vehicle of similar size.” “This is a large-scale incident involving multiple agencies,” he stated. “The operation will continue for several days.”

Some witnesses shared a live video on YouTube depicting the ship colliding with the bridge in darkness. The headlights of vehicles were visible on the bridge as it plunged into the water, and the ship subsequently caught fire. The number of Baltimore wrongful death lawsuits are not yet known.

The incident on Tuesday could potentially be the most severe bridge collapse in the United States since 2007, when the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River, resulting in 13 fatalities.

Maryland Governor assured the public that there was no indication of terrorism involved.

The exact number of fatalities has not been disclosed; rescue and search operations are ongoing. Multiple agencies are involved in the search for passengers from seven or more vehicles. 

Port operations have been suspended, with over 40 loaded ships either awaiting within the port or en route to the Port of Baltimore. This is a vast port, which handled 847,158 autos and light trucks in 2023, the most of any U.S. port. Additionally, the port manages farm and construction machinery, sugar, gypsum, and coal, as stated on a Maryland government website.

If you or your loved one had been affected by a construction accident, vehicle collision or ship accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation from the party responsible for the devastating event. If you lost a loved one in a construction accident or any other unexpected event caused by another party’s negligence or wrongful action, you may receive compensation in Baltimore wrongful death lawsuit. Contact our Baltimore wrongful death lawyers to recover your damages due to your loved one’s premature preventable death. Our Baltimore wrongful death attorneys are here to help you go through the challenging time after losing a beloved person. We know exactly how to support the claim with valuable evidence for the best possible outcome. Do not hesitate! Contact our Baltimore wrongful death lawyer immediately! We provide emotional support, legal guidance, expertise and experience. 

Last Updated on March 26, 2024

Matthew C. Trapani

The injury lawyers at the Trapani Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in catastrophic car accidents and other personal injury accidents. Additionally, our personal injury law firm has handled wrongful death claims for families of victims killed or injured in tragic accidents. There is no cost to our clients until our experienced attorneys have won your case. The Trapani Law Firm would like our visitors to be aware that we obtain our information through secondary sources so it is entirely possible that our news blog posts may contain data that is not 100% accurate. If we have improper information posted on our blog please feel free to email us so we can make the necessary adjustments. Our law firm has posted this news blog for informative purposes, in order to help keep our local community safer. The Trapani Law Firm handles these types of injury cases, however whether or not attorney representation is needed is a very private decision that we honor. DISCLAIMER: The information above is not intended to express or constitute legal or medical advice.