Indian Crew on Container Ship Causes Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The cargo ship that collided with a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to collapse into the river below, had a crew of 22 members, all of whom are Indian nationals, according to the company managing the vessel.

Synergy Marine Group stated that all crew members, including the two pilots, have been located and thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries or pollution resulting from the incident.

The collision occurred around 1:27 a.m. ET (10:57 a.m. IST) as the container ship named ‘Dali’ was navigating down the Patapsco River on its way to Sri Lanka. The impact with a bridge pylon resulted in a significant portion of the bridge collapsing into the river.

Videos captured by eyewitnesses depict the dramatic moment of the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River, along with several vehicles plunging into the water. The ship itself caught fire, engulfing the scene in thick black smoke. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the event as “an unthinkable tragedy,” reminiscent of scenes from an action movie.

In response to the bridge collapse, Mayor Scott declared a state of emergency.

Maryland state senator Johnny Ray Salling, a Republican representing the affected area, emphasized the critical role the bridge plays in transportation and commerce, expressing concerns about the devastating impact its loss will have not only on the local community but also on the entire East Coast.