The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO extends its most solemn condolences to the victims of the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse that occurred early Tuesday morning in Baltimore. At around 1:30 a.m, the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container vessel on its way to Sri Lanka, collided with the bridge. It is currently unknown how many individuals were on the bridge at the time of the incident, or as to how many casualties may have resulted from the event.
Many of the details of this incident will be subject to investigation as the situation unfolds. In addition to motorists who were on the bridge, potential victims may also include work crews who were performing maintenance on the span. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency, and will be deploying federal assistance to the site of the collapse immediately. Rescue crews are currently on the scene, searching for survivors.
The MTD and its Baltimore Port Maritime Council hope with the fullest sincerity for the safety of those on the bridge during the time of the collapse, and expresses its solidarity with the brave first responders who are assisting with the rescue and recovery effort. Along with the rest of the greater Baltimore-Washington community, we are keeping the families of those missing in our hearts and monitoring the situation closely.