Baltimore Bridge Collapse: According to Joe Biden, ship traffic has been suspended while rescue efforts are underway

Washington: US President Joe Biden provided further information about the Baltimore Bridge collapse event, stating that two of the eight individuals who were missing after the collapse had been rescued and that efforts to locate the other six are still underway. He said that ship activity in the Port of Baltimore has been halted until further notice and that it would take some time for the channel to clear before it could start up again.

President Biden said, “Officials at the scene estimate eight people were unaccounted for,” at a news conference. That figure might be adjusted. The search and rescue effort is still ongoing for the other individuals, even though two have been rescued—one without injuries and the other in serious condition.

Nevertheless, he went on to say that there is “no indication” that this was an “intentional” act.

Thus far, every piece of evidence suggests that this was a horrific accident. As of right now, Biden said, “We have no additional evidence or cause to suspect that this was an intentional act.”

“All of the families, particularly those who are still awaiting word on their loved ones, are in our thoughts and prayers, along with everyone involved in this horrific disaster. I understand that every minute in that situation seems endless,” he said.

In addition to expressing gratitude to the Baltimore community and the rescues, President Biden promised that the federal government would cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge.

“We are very appreciative of the courageous rescuers who raced to the site right away, as well as the Baltimore community.We want to be by your side for however long it takes.Our first priority is the search and rescue effort,” the president said.

“Ship traffic in the port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice. Before ship traffic can resume, we’ll need to clear that channel,” he said.My goal is for the federal government to cover every expense associated with rebuilding that bridge.Baltimore residents know they can rely on us.

A big ship impacted the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse.

Governor Wes Moore of Baltimore, Maryland, issued a state-of-emergency proclamation on Monday in response to the event.

Biden has instructed the government to support search and rescue operations for this “terrible” occurrence, and he has already called a meeting with top members of his staff.

I called a meeting of my team’s senior members this morning to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. In response to this horrific event, I’ve instructed my administration to make sure all government resources are available to support search and rescue operations,” Biden wrote on X.

Situated south of Baltimore, the bridge crosses the Patapsco River over a distance of more than 1.5 miles. It became operational in March 1977 and functioned as a significant hub, according to The Hill.

Despite many modifications over the years, the Francis Scott Key Bridge—named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”—was “up to code,” according to Governor Moore on Tuesday.

As to NewsNation’s data collection, over 12.4 million cars will cross the Key Bridge in 2023. According to Moore, the bridge carries over 30,000 commuters each day.