Following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, US President Joe Biden has announced his plans to visit the city next week. The collapse, which tragically resulted in the presumed deaths of four individuals, has prompted a swift response from the federal government.
President Biden expressed solidarity with Baltimore, pledging unwavering support and $60 million in federal funding for the recovery efforts. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also been actively involved in coordinating assistance for the city.
The aftermath of the collapse has left a significant impact on Baltimore’s port, with huge barges anchored nearby and the wreckage of the bridge posing a complex salvage operation. Investigators are diligently working to understand the circumstances leading to the bridge’s collision with a massive container vessel.
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a monumental task that will require extensive cleanup efforts and reconstruction. While immediate cleanup of the port’s shipping channel is underway, the full restoration of the bridge is expected to take several years.
The tragic incident unfolded early in the morning on Tuesday, prompting emergency response teams to halt traffic on the bridge. Unfortunately, construction workers on the bridge were caught by surprise, leading to fatal consequences.
As search-and-rescue operations continue, efforts are focused on recovering the missing workers and ensuring the safety of the area. The federal government has committed to supporting Baltimore in rebuilding the bridge and has urged Congress to allocate necessary funds for the project.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and the importance of investing in infrastructure resilience and safety measures. President Biden’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to standing with Baltimore during this difficult time.
Sources By Agencies
