Baltimore Bridge Collapses

Americans woke up to news today that the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland had collapsed after being struck by a large cargo container ship flying the Singapore flag called the Dali.

Maryland authorities have issued a state of emergency as this has been deemed a mass casualty incident after dozens of cars and individuals were on the bridge at the time of the collision.

At least seven people are missing after the ship seemingly lost power and slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge support beam.

Search and rescue have been on the ground trying to locate any survivors. Two people have since been rescued from the river.

Of great concern is that of the bridge’s location and the Port of Baltimore itself, seeing as it is a significant trading port.

Personnel onboard the ship were able to communicate with the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of the ship.

Currently, the Army Corps of Operations is on the scene to help in reopening the channel into the port.

As for the bridge, it is on a beltway around the city of Baltimore and connects industrial areas of the harbor. Losing this critical piece of infrastructure only adds to the impact on harbor operations beyond blockage of the shipping channel in/out of the port.

To further this point, the Department of Transportation ranked Baltimore as the 17th busiest American port in 2021. At that time, it was handling 37.4 million metric tons of cargo.

Many have been speculating about the cause of the collision and rightfully so.

Here are just three possible causes that we have gathered based upon relevant information available to the public at this time, as well as one based upon speculation.

1. Mechanical/electrical failure causing loss of ship control.

2. Navigational error: The fact that the ship was leaving port in what appeared to be clear visibility, slack tide, and calm seas. It would also be at a time the crew at highest alert as port arrivals/departures are critical navigational times.

3. Terrorist attack caused meant to cripple American infrastructure.

Several people taken to X to discuss the possibility of this being a cyber attack which at this point is speculation including well known investigative journalist Lara Logan who stated:

“Multiple intel sources: Baltimore bridge collapse was an “absolutely brilliant strategic attack” on US critical infrastructure – most likely cyber – & our intel agencies know it. In information warfare terms, they just divided the US along the Mason Dixon line exactly like the Civil War.

Second busiest strategic roadway in the nation for hazardous material now down for 4-5 years – which is how long they say it will take to recover. Bridge was built specifically to move hazardous material – fuel, diesel, propane gas, nitrogen, highly flammable materials, chemicals and oversized cargo that cannot fit in the tunnels – that supply chain now crippled.”

What is known at this moment is that there will be an investigation which may take quite some time and result in insurmountable costs due to the loss of access to the harbor, as well as the loss of infrastructure.

In the meantime, the search for missing individuals (reportedly seven at this time) are underway.

In a press briefing today, President Biden stated:

“Everything so far indicates that this was a terrible accident. At this time we have no other indication, no other reason to believe that there is no other intentional act here.”

“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.”

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!