Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse
Dali under one of the collapsed segments of the bridge
DateMarch 26, 2024 (2024-03-26)
Time1:28:49 a.m. EDT (05:28:49 UTC)
LocationBaltimore metropolitan area, Maryland, United States
Coordinates39°12′56″N 76°31′47″W / 39.21556°N 76.52972°W / 39.21556; -76.52972
TypeBridge collapse
CauseLoss of propulsion on ship, leading to allision with pier and subsequent collapse of the bridge truss
Deaths6
Non-fatal injuries2+
Property damage
  • Collapse of bridge spans
  • Damage to Dali and its cargo
  • At least seven vehicles submerged

On March 26, 2024, at 1:28 a.m. EDT (05:28 UTC), the main spans and the three nearest northeast approach spans of the Francis Scott Key Bridge across the Patapsco River in the Baltimore metropolitan area of Maryland, United States, collapsed after the container ship Dali struck one of its piers. Six members of a maintenance crew working on the roadway were killed, while two more were rescued from the river.

The collapse blocked most shipping to and from the Port of Baltimore for 11 weeks. Maryland Governor Wes Moore called the event a "global crisis" that had affected more than 8,000 jobs. The economic impact of the closure of the waterway has been estimated at $15 million per day.

Maryland officials have said they plan to replace the bridge by fall 2028 at an estimated cost of $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion.