Port Of Baltimore Paralyzed After Container Ship Strike Collapses Bridge Sending Vehicles Into River

"An economic disruption along the US East Coast is unfolding with potentially tragic human consequences after a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, sending nearly the entire roadway structure crumbling into the water.

The immediate priority of the rescuers is finding people who may have been on the bridge either working or driving across. The ship, the Singapore-registered Dali, was operated by charter company Synergy Group and is time chartered by Maersk carrying Maersk customers' cargo.
Of secondary concern in the days ahead will be tough questions about the effect on business, commuters, holiday travelers and the economy across the region.
The Port of Baltimore — the biggest handler of US imports and exports of cars and light trucks — looks to be out of commission indefinitely. The resulting bottleneck could accelerate a shift of goods through West Coast ports. Another crucial question: Which other ports have spare capacity to handle the Ro-Ro vessels that carry automobiles if Baltimore is closed for an extended period. Around 20 people and multiple cars likely fell in the water, Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace said during a media briefing early Tuesday.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a big steel crossway that carries Interstate 695, was struck by a boxship at around 1:30 a.m. ET." MS/ZH