News
Portion of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore crumbles following collision with large ship; vehicles and potentially individuals submerged in water
Early Tuesday morning, a tragic incident unfolded on the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Part of the bridge collapsed after being struck by a large container ship, causing chaos and concern. Cars were sent plunging into the Patapsco River below, along with the possibility of people being in the water as well.
The Baltimore City Fire Department received multiple calls around 1:30 a.m. reporting the collision between the ship and the bridge column. While the exact number of vehicles on the bridge was unknown, reports indicated that a large tractor-trailer was involved in the incident.
The department confirmed that there were at least seven individuals in the river, prompting a swift response from the dive and rescue team. The situation was classified as a “mass casualty event,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
Amidst the chaos, reports surfaced about diesel fuel leaking into the water from the ship and construction workers present on the bridge at the time of the collision. The unfolding events painted a grim picture of the immediate aftermath of the collapse.
Baltimore Police spokesperson informed CBS News about the partial bridge collapse and the likelihood of workers being in the water. The MidAtlantic Coast Guard identified the cargo ship involved as the 948-foot Singapore-flagged vessel Dali, en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Tragically, the ship caught fire and eventually sank.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott acknowledged the incident on social media, stating that emergency personnel were on-site and working tirelessly to address the situation. The gravity of the event prompted an outpouring of support and prayers from the community.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. echoed the sentiment, urging individuals to pray for those impacted by the tragic events. Rescue operations were underway, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation.
The Maryland Transportation Authority swiftly responded by closing all lanes in both directions on I-695 Key Bridge, diverting traffic to alternate routes. The incident caused significant disruptions and showcased the immediate impact of the bridge collapse on the local transportation network.
This story is rapidly evolving. Stay tuned for the latest updates as the situation unfolds.
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.