Baltimore bridge collapse: Joe Biden praises Indian crew’s warning that ‘saved lives’

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday appreciated the prompt response of Indian crew members of the ill-fated MV Dali cargo ship which led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after crashing into it due to power failure on Tuesday.

Six people have been presumed in the horrific crash which sent multiple vehicles plunging into the river below.

Synergy Maritime Group, the shipping company that was managing the Singapore-flagged vessel said all 22 crew members onboard were Indians.

In a statement released by the White House, Biden expressed sorrow with the kin of those missing in the “terrible accident” while lauding the Indian crew members for promptly alerting the Maryland transport authority about losing control over the ship which led to the closure of the bridge, thus averting a major disaster and “saving lives”.

“Personnel on board the ship were able to alert the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of their vessel prompting the local authorities to close the bridge to traffic before the catastrophic was impact, a move which undoubtedly saved lives,” Biden said.

The president ruled out any foul play in the accident, saying there is “no other indication, no other reason to believe there was any intentional act here”.

“Officials at the scene estimate eight people were unaccounted for still — not still, were unaccounted for. That number might change. Two have been rescued — one without injury, one in critical condition. And the search-and-rescue operation is continuing for all those remaining as we speak,” Biden added.

What caused the crash?

Horrific scenes were witnessed in Baltimore City of Maryland state in the wee hours of Wednesday when the Singapore-flagged container ship leaving with a full cargo for Sri Lanka, rammed into a concrete pier supporting the bridge, bringing it tumbling down into the Patapsco River.

Just moments earlier, a Mayday call was issued by the ship, alerting of a power loss. This prompted authorities to swiftly halt traffic to the bridge, potentially preventing further casualties.

Dramatic footage of the accident showed the ship losing power twice minutes shortly before the collision, with a visible puff of smoke preceding the crash. Although all 22 crew members were safe and located, six repair workers on the bridge remain missing. They were part of a team working on repairing potholes when the collapse occurred, around midnight.

President Biden announced that the federal government would cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge.

When questioned about why the federal government should foot the bill if the ship and its operator were potentially at fault, he responded, “While that may be the case, we’re not waiting for confirmation. Our priority is to fund the reconstruction of the bridge and ensure its swift reopening.”

Authorities have shut down the port “until further notice,” redirecting traffic away from the bridge as rescue operations continue.