A pall of shock and sadness has settled over the state of Maryland as leaders at every level react to the unthinkable scenes of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s catastrophic collapse into the Patapsco River early Tuesday morning. As frantic rescue efforts continue to locate potential victims in the rubble and waters below, officials are expressing horror at the tragedy while offering prayers and vows of unlimited support.
The hashtag “PrayingForBaltimore” quickly began trending across social media platforms as images and video of the crumpled bridge spread. Governor Wes Moore promptly declared a State of Emergency in Maryland, vowing close coordination between his administration and an interagency team of federal, state and local personnel.
“We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety,” Moore stated somberly. “We will remain in close contact with all entities carrying out these rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy.”
In neighboring Washington D.C., U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he had spoken directly with Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, pledging the full support of federal resources and agencies like the NTSB that will investigate the cause.
“Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response,” Buttigieg urged.
Here in Maryland, a stunned Attorney General Anthony Brown praised the courage and tenacity of first responders battling fatigue as rescue operations stretched into the day.
“For hours now, our first responders in Baltimore and from neighboring counties have been braving extraordinary circumstances as they work to find survivors and get them out of the water and to safety,” Brown said. “The active rescue response…is a testament to the strength of our region. Pray for them as they continue lifesaving efforts.”
Senator Antonio Hayes echoed that sentiment, saying “I am only comforted in knowing we have some of the most dedicated, brave and talented first responders in the world” carrying out the dangerous work.
Other state leaders like Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Congressional candidate Dr. Mariela Roca pleaded with Marylanders to heed guidance from local officials and avoid the area as the search continued. Both expressed being “horrified” at the scene while offering prayers for potential victims and their families.
The House Republican delegation called the footage of the collapse “shocking and horrifying”, asserting that “While this horrendous incident will require a full investigation, right now our focus must be on the victims, their families, and making sure they get the care and services they need.”
As heavy machinery continues clearing debris and boats scan the waters below, a sense of grim determination has settled over rescue teams now facing a race against time to locate any potential survivors. Governor Moore has pledged unlimited state resources and support to ensure all victims are recovered.
“We are working tirelessly to find anyone trapped by this terrible disaster,” the governor vowed. “Maryland will not rest until every single person is accounted for.”
An official investigation into what caused the catastrophic bridge failure is already underway by the National Transportation Safety Board. But for now, the focus remains squarely on intensive rescue efforts at the scene and providing assistance to victims’ loved ones grappling with unimaginable anguish.
With a montage of crumpled concrete and twisted steel sprawled across the Patapsco serving as a searing backdrop, Maryland’s leaders have spoken in unified voices – expressing shock, pledging prayers, and vowing that every resource will be deployed until this harrowing ordeal reaches its resolution, no matter how long it takes.