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Pre-Alert of Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
A recent dispatch audio from the Maryland Transportation Authority police has shed light on the events leading up to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. According to the received dispatch audio, MDTA authorities were pre-alerted to divert traffic just one minute before the catastrophic incident unfolded. The audio, obtained by DMV News Live, captured the urgent communication between MDTA officers as they quickly mobilized to mitigate the situation.
Within the dispatch communication, an MDTA officer can be heard instructing fellow officers to take strategic positions on the bridge: “I need one of you guys on the north side, one on the south side, and another to halt all traffic on the Key Bridge.” The urgency of the situation becomes apparent as the officer explains, “There’s a ship approaching that has lost its steering. Until we regain control of the vessel, we must cease all traffic flow.”
Dali Cargo Ship’s Mayday Call
The critical importance of the pre-alert becomes evident as the Dali cargo ship’s crew issued a distress call just moments before the vessel collided with the bridge. The crew’s mayday call, as reported by The Daily Mail, served as a vital warning to authorities, allowing them to swiftly limit traffic on the bridge. Maryland Governor Wes Moore commended the crew for their timely communication, which enabled officers to take proactive measures to safeguard the public.
Approximately 90 seconds after the mayday call was issued, another distress signal was heard over the audio, signaling the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The audio captures the tense moments as responders scrambled to secure the area and prevent further disaster.
Praise for Timely Response
Governor Wes Moore expressed gratitude for the swift action taken by the Dali cargo ship crew, emphasizing the critical role played by their initial distress call. In a press conference following the incident, Governor Moore highlighted the collaborative efforts of all involved in averting a potential tragedy and commended the effective coordination between authorities and maritime responders.
The proactive response to the pre-alert and the rapid deployment of emergency protocols underscore the significance of effective communication and preparedness in mitigating unforeseen events. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in ensuring public safety and averting potential disasters.
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