President Joe Biden gave remarks Tuesday on the Baltimore bridge collapse, telling residents “we’re going to stay with you as long as it takes.”
“It’s my intention that the federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstruction in that bridge. I expect the Congress to support my effort,” Biden said from the White House.
“This is going to take some time,” the president said, adding, “We’re not leaving until this job gets done.”
Personnel on the ship alerted the Maryland Department of Transportation that they lost control of the vessel, and local authorities were able to close the bridge before it was struck, “which undoubtedly saved lives,” Biden told reporters.
A view of the Dali cargo vessel which crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing it to collapse in Baltimore, March 26, 2024.
Julia Nikhinson/Reuters
A cargo ship crashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning, causing a near-total collapse of the span and halting vessel traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.
A search-and-rescue effort is underway, with divers and emergency personnel desperately combing the Patapsco River for people believed to have fallen from the collapsing bridge into the frigid water below, officials said. At least six people are unaccounted for, officials said.
It appears the crash was a “terrible accident,” Biden said.
He said the search and rescue operation is the top priority.
Biden, who noted he’s been over the bridge many times, said he plans to visit Baltimore as soon as possible.
“Ship traffic and the port of Baltimore has been suspended until further notice. And we’ll need to clear that channel before the ship traffic can resume,” the president said.
“Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families, especially those waiting for news of their loved one right now,” Biden said. “I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime, you just don’t know. It’s just terrible.”
“We’re incredibly grateful for the brave rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene and to the people of Baltimore. I want to say, we’re with you,” the president said. “We’re going to stay with you, as long as it takes. And like the governor said, ‘you’re Maryland tough, you’re Baltimore strong and we’re going to get through this together.'”
Biden convened senior members of his team Tuesday morning for a briefing on the ongoing response and directed them to ensure all federal resources are made available, the White House said.
ABC News’ Mariam Khan, Kevin Shalvey and Emily Shapiro contributed to this report.
President Joe Biden has pledged to provide assistance to the city of Baltimore following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bridge, which spans the Patapsco River and connects Baltimore to Anne Arundel County, collapsed unexpectedly last week, causing chaos and disruption to the city’s transportation system.
In a statement released by the White House, President Biden expressed his concern for the residents of Baltimore and promised to work with local officials to provide the necessary resources to repair and rebuild the bridge. “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a tragedy for the people of Baltimore, and my administration is committed to helping them recover and rebuild,” Biden said.
The collapse of the bridge has had a significant impact on the city’s transportation infrastructure, with major traffic delays and detours causing headaches for commuters and businesses alike. The bridge was a vital link between Baltimore and Anne Arundel County, and its sudden collapse has left many residents stranded and struggling to find alternative routes.
In response to the crisis, the Biden administration has mobilized federal resources to assist in the recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been deployed to the area to assess the damage and provide assistance to those affected by the collapse. Additionally, the Department of Transportation has pledged to work with state and local officials to expedite the repair and reconstruction of the bridge.
Local officials in Baltimore have welcomed President Biden’s promise of assistance, expressing gratitude for the federal government’s swift response to the crisis. Mayor Brandon Scott praised the administration for its quick action and commitment to helping the city recover from the disaster. “We are grateful for President Biden’s support during this difficult time, and we look forward to working together to rebuild our city and restore our transportation infrastructure,” Mayor Scott said.
As the city of Baltimore begins the long process of recovering from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, residents can take comfort in knowing that they have the support of their federal government. President Biden’s promise of assistance is a reassuring sign that help is on the way, and that Baltimore will emerge stronger than ever from this tragedy.
