President Joe Biden addressed the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, on Tuesday, March 26. During his remarks, President Biden said that search-and-rescue efforts remain the “top priority.”
Authorities reported that at least six construction workers remain missing after a large container ship hit a support column on the bridge when it reportedly lost power. The collision caused the bridge to collapse.
While addressing the response effort to the collapse, President Biden stressed the importance of the bridge that was used by tens of thousands of people each day to cross the Patapsco River.
“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire costs of reconstructing that bridge,” Biden said. “I expect Congress to support my effort — this is going to take some time.”
Meanwhile, all traffic has been halted at the Port of Baltimore following the collapse. However, Biden promised Gov. Wes Moore, D-Md., that he will “move heaven and earth” to reopen the port as soon as possible.
According to officials, the ship’s crew was able to issue a mayday call before it hit the bridge’s column, allowing officials to stop traffic.
Vehicles could be seen on the bridge at the time of the collapse. However, officials have not said if anyone occupied the vehicles seen falling into the river in infrared video.
An investigation is ongoing into the collapse, but officials said there is no indication the incident is anything other than an accident.
Moore has declared a state of emergency to free up federal resources to assist in the aftermath of the collapse.
