The Indian Embassy in Washington expressed condolences for the "unfortunate accident" after a cargo ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday, destroying it in a matter of seconds and plunging it into the river. The terrifying collapse could disrupt a vital shipping port for months. Six people were missing.
The ship's crew, 22 in total, sent out a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, notifying authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, Maryland's governor Wes Moore said.
"Our heartfelt condolences to all affected by the unfortunate accident at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore," the Indian Embassy said in a post on X.
The Embassy said it has created a dedicated hotline "for any Indian citizens that may be affected/require assistance".
The Embassy is ascertaining details regarding the vessel's crew.
Owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship "Dali" report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore, whilst under pilotage with two pilots on board, at approximately 01:30 local time on March 26.
The "Dali" had an "all Indian" crew of 22 people onboard, according to ship management company Synergy Marine Group.
The ship, outbound from Baltimore to Colombo, struck a 1.6-mile-long, four-lane bridge in Baltimore in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Shortly after the collision, the bridge collapsed, crashing on the cargo ship.
"Personnel onboard the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel. As a result, local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before the bridge was struck, which undoubtedly saved lives," US President Biden said in remarks made in the White House on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Biden said that the investigation into the collision so far indicates "that this was a terrible accident. At this time, we have no other indication, no other reason to believe if there is any intentional act here".
Biden said that two people have been rescued from the scene, one in critical condition, and search is ongoing for six more persons.
"We are going to send all the federal resources they need as we respond to this emergency. I mean all the federal resources and we're going to rebuild that port together," Biden said.
"It's also the top port in America (for) imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks, around 850,000 vehicles go through that port every year," he said.
"And we're gonna get it up and running again as soon as possible," Biden said, adding that thousands of jobs depend on that port. "And we're going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers."
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