In the predawn darkness of March 26, 2024, Baltimore faced a catastrophe of unimaginable scale as the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a crucial artery of Interstate 695, was struck by the container ship Dali, leading to its collapse into the Patapsco River. The incident, resulting in the presumed loss of at least six lives, has plunged the community into mourning and prompted a vigorous multi-agency investigation and recovery operation. The bridge's fall, attributed to a collision with the nearly 1,000-foot-long Singapore-flagged vessel, underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to unforeseen accidents.

Before its fateful encounter with the bridge, the Dali had reported power issues, raising questions about the ship's condition prior to the incident. Managed by Synergy Group and carrying Maersk customer cargo, the vessel's track record included two deficiencies noted in previous inspections, one related to structural damage. Maryland officials, articulating their shock and sadness over the event, emphasized that the bridge was compliant with all codes and standards at the time of its collapse, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such disasters.

The response to the collapse has been marked by a unified effort from local, state, and federal entities, including a commitment to thorough investigation and support for the affected community. As recovery operations continue amid challenging conditions, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of infrastructure safety and the need for vigilance in maintaining and inspecting such vital links.