BALTIMORE – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge:
“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge this morning is a horrific tragedy. I’m thankful for U.S. Coast Guard, Baltimore City Fire Department and all the first responders who are on the scene. We hope that casualties can be minimized as first responders urgently work on rescue and recovery efforts. Our prayers are with them and the families of all those affected by the accident.
“I’ve talked with President Joe Biden and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who both assured me that they will make every federal resource available. The Coast Guard is actively participating in the search and rescue. I am also in contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Baltimore District of the Army Corps of Engineers, who are working to get the channel open as quickly as possible. Local officials are working with federal officials to do everything we can to rapidly react to this tragedy.
“Our first priority is rescue. Next will be determining the most effective way to clear the channel reopen the Port of Baltimore, which is critically important to our commerce. At every stage, I’ll be working with Mayor Scott and Governor Moore and all of Team Maryland to make federal resources available to reopen the Port of Baltimore, redirect critical road traffic, and rebuild the Key Bridge as quickly as possible.
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