Jean MartinSix people were unaccounted for behind the Francis Scott Key bridge, which was hit by a cargo ship, sending cars and eight workers into the water body.
Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, President Joe Biden pledged that the US federal government would cover the entire cost of reconstructing the structure. The bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship early Tuesday morning.
Federal Funding Assurance
President Biden stated his intention for the federal government to foot the bill for the bridge’s reconstruction and urged Congress to support this effort.
He emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing a commitment to expedite the rebuilding process without waiting for potential liability determinations from the ship’s owner, Grace Ocean.
Search and Rescue Operations
Authorities reported that six individuals were missing following the bridge collapse, which resulted in vehicles and eight construction workers plunging into the Patapsco River. Fortunately, all 22 crew members aboard the Dali, the cargo ship involved in the collision, were confirmed safe.
Coordination Efforts
The White House disclosed that President Biden engaged with federal, state, and local officials to coordinate a comprehensive response to the bridge collapse.
This included discussions with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senators Chris van Hollen and Ben Cardin, and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott.
Bridge’s Structural Integrity
Governor Moore assured the public that the Francis Scott Key bridge was compliant with safety standards prior to the collision with the cargo ship. The bridge, constructed in 1977, had met all regulatory requirements before the incident occurred.
