26 March 2024
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden said the search and rescue effort continues to be the top priority after a cargo ship rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore causing the bridge to collapse early Tuesday morning.
“Everything so far indicates that this was a terrible accident. At this time, we have no other indication, no other reason to believe there’s any intentional act here,” Biden said.
During brief remarks from the White House Tuesday afternoon, President Biden said he spoke to Maryland’s governor and vowed to send all the federal resources needed to respond to the emergency.
“We’re gonna rebuild that port together,” Biden said. Ship traffic in the Port of Baltimore, which is one of the nation’s largest shipping hubs, has been suspended until further notice.
“We’ll need to clear that channel before ship traffic can resume,” Biden added.
Rescuers said they pulled out two people, but six others were still missing. The ship’s crew issued a mayday call shortly before the collision, which allowed authorities to limit the flow of traffic onto the bridge. Biden praised the quick response which he said, “undoubtedly saved lives.”
“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for the news of their loved one right now,” Biden said.
The president emphasized his commitment to visiting Baltimore as soon as he could but did not provide a potential date.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.