A cargo ship named "Dali" collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early on March 26, 2024, resulting in its collapse into the river below. The entire 22-member crew of the Singapore-flagged vessel, all of whom are Indian nationals, were aboard during the incident, according to the ship's company, Grace Ocean Private Ltd. 

The collision occurred around 1:30 am local time, as the cargo ship lost power and struck one of the pillars of the bridge. Authorities were alerted to the impending danger moments before impact, as the ship issued a mayday call, allowing for swift action to limit vehicle traffic on the bridge. 

During remarks at the White House, US President Joe Biden stated that the alert issued by the ship's crew prior to the collision played a crucial role in saving lives.

The catastrophic collision caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge to snap, sending several vehicles plummeting into the frigid waters below. In the aftermath, rescue operations were initiated to search for survivors amidst the debris.

As investigations into the cause of the crash commence, it remains unclear what led to the cargo ship collision with the bridge. The incident has been described as a "developing mass casualty event" by officials, highlighting the severity of the situation in a major American city just outside of Washington. 

Six individuals, believed to be part of a bridge road crew, are presumed dead due to the water temperature and the passage of time. The US Coast Guard announced late Tuesday evening that it had decided to suspend its extensive search and rescue operation, which was hindered by cold and overcast weather conditions.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the crew as "heroes," noting their swift response, which he credited with saving lives by allowing authorities to halt traffic flow onto the bridge within two minutes of the collision.

Owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd, the vessel was en route from Baltimore to Colombo at the time of the collision, adding further complexity to the unfolding situation. With rescue efforts underway and inquiries ongoing, the aftermath of this maritime disaster continues to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered.