RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — President Joe Biden spoke in the aftermath of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
The announcement was held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26.
President Biden said that all federal resources needed will be sent.
Further, Biden said that personnel aboard the ship alerted the Maryland Department of Transportation that they had lost control of the ship, and that local authorities were able to close the bridge to traffic before it was struck.
The bridge lies about 50 miles from Virginia’s border with Maryland.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared his thoughts on social media earlier in the day, saying, “I have spoken with Maryland Governor Wes Moore this morning, and Virginia stands ready to assist and support our neighbor Maryland. Our prayers are with the families affected and the courageous rescue efforts underway following the tragic incident at Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.”
Many other lawmakers, leaders and officials shared their thoughts following the collapse.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger said, “My family’s prayers are with our neighbors in Maryland this morning as they deal with this terrible tragedy. Thank you to the first responders and law enforcement who are assisting with these urgent search and rescue efforts.”
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine also shared a message on social media, saying, “The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is devastating. My heart is with our neighbors in Maryland today. Thankful for the first responders on the scene.”
“Devastating news out of Baltimore this morning with the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Our hearts are with our neighbors in Maryland today,” said Rep. Gerry Connolly.
The Port of Virginia shared he following statement regarding the collapse:
The Port of Virginia® is truly saddened by this morning’s news regarding the collision of the mv. Dali and the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Our thoughts are with all those families directly impacted by this tragic event.
The mv. Dali called at Virginia International Gateway (VIG) terminal and departed March 22for Baltimore as its next scheduled port of call. The vessel’s call at VIG and its departure from the Norfolk Harbor were without incident.
Our operating team is already working with ocean carriers whose vessels were due to call Baltimore and offering the capability of our port to discharge cargoes as requested. The Port of Virginia has a significant amount of experience in handling surges of import and export cargo and is ready to provide whatever assistance we can to the team at the Port of Baltimore.
Spokesperson for the Port of Virginia
