Here's A Timeline Of The Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse

It’s been over 24 hours since the merchant vessel Dali struck a support pylon holding up the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland early Tuesday morning. The bridge collapsed, killing at least 6 people in the process. Their deaths are tragic losses, the disaster could have been much worse.

The first 12 hours of the disaster were pivotal moments for search and rescue as well as investigators examining what caused this tragic and catastrophic accident. We’ve put together as detailed a recounting of the moments leading up to and during the disaster as possible, using multiple sources and outlets to trace what exactly happened on Tuesday.

12:28 A.M. - The Dali Unmoors From Port

The Dali had just started a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka. The ship had a harbor pilot and their apprentice on board to shepherd the ship out of the harbor. The ship, which is 985 feet long and 158 feet wide, was traveling at eight knots, or a little over 9 miles per hour — standard speed for the harbor.

1:25 A.M. - The Dali cargo ship goes dark

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It is currently unclear why the Dali suffered a complete blackout, though the circumstances around the power loss are under investigation. Current theories include everything from poor maintenance aboard the vessel (the ship had propulsion issues months before the crash) to dirty fuel, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Within just six minutes before impact, cars are still moving across the bridge at this point, according to WBAL.

1:26 A.M. - Lights Come Back On, Smoke Appears

This is likely when the ship’s backup generators came online (that thick plume of smoke being diesel smoke) but for some reason, propulsion was not engaged when the emergency power came on. The power dropped off again moments before impact.

1:27 A.M. - Attempts To Stop, Mayday Call

The harbor pilot had the Dali throw out its port anchor and turn hard left in order to slow the ship. When the ship failed to slow, the captain sent out a mayday and alerted first responders of the danger to the bridge. This message, as well as the quick actions by those on land, likely saved many more lives.

1:27 A.M. - Bridge Closed To Traffic

1:28 A.M. - Collision

At eight knots, the ship was simply too large and going too fast to stop in time. There were just 90 seconds between mayday and collision for emergency crews to close the bridge to traffic. First responders were unable to move a road crew patching potholes off the bridge in time.

1:28 A.M., 6 Seconds Later - Collapse

1:40 A.M. - First Water Rescue Vehicle Dispatched

CNN reports rescue work began almost immediately. The first few hours of rescue work was crucial considering the temperature of the water and the height of the bridge collapse. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace confirmed the first boats were in the water just over ten minutes following the disaster. The cold water, quick current, rising tide, debris and general darkness hampered efforts to get divers in the water, however.

1:50 A.M. - First Fire Unit Arrives

3:07 A.M. - Baltimore Mayor Address Disaster