President Joe Biden has addressed the nation following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a cargo ship collided with the bridge – resulting in catastrophic damage and a desperate rescue operation.
Tragically, officials also revealed six individuals are still missing and are presumed dead at this time. Two people have fortunately been rescued, with one of them in a critical condition.
The vessel involved in the collision, identified as the Dali, struck a pillar of the bridge approximately 30 minutes after embarking on its 27-day voyage to Sri Lanka while laden with cargo.
In a poignant address to the nation, President Joe Biden expressed deep concern and unwavering support for the Baltimore community following the tragic bridge collapse early Tuesday morning.
Speaking from the White House, President Biden began by acknowledging the severity of the tragedy, stating: “I want to speak briefly about the terrible incident and accident that happened in Baltimore this morning.” Reflecting on his personal familiarity with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, he remarked: “I’ve been over many, many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car.”
Highlighting the swift response of emergency personnel, President Biden conveyed gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies, affirming: “Multiple U.S. Coast Guard units, which are stationed very nearby, thank God, were immediately deployed, along with local emergency personnel.”
Biden emphasized the collaborative effort among various federal, state, and local entities involved in the emergency response.
He acknowledged the agonizing wait for information faced by families of the missing individuals, stating: “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime. You just don’t know. It’s just terrible.”
“As I told [Maryland Gov. Wes Moore], I’ve directed my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as humanly possible,” Biden stressed.
The POTUS further underscored the importance of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for regional transportation and economic activity, stating: “It’s one of the most important elements for the economy in the Northeast and the quality of life.”
Assuring the people of Baltimore of unwavering support, President Biden pledged: “We’re not leaving until this job gets done — not leaving until then.” He reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing federal assistance for the reconstruction efforts, stating, “It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge, and I expect […] Congress to support my effort.”
In closing, President Biden extended heartfelt condolences to those affected by the tragedy and expressed gratitude to the brave first responders risking their lives in the rescue efforts, stating: “May God bless the first responders, who — many of whom risking their lives.”
He reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to stand by the people of Baltimore until the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt.