The Francis Scott Key Bridge is pictured from a distance. The bridge collapsed after it was struck by a large cargo ship early Tuesday.
© Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Baltimore, MD) – The FBI is warning people they will face federal charges if they’re caught flying drones near the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. A “no drone zone” has been established in and around that portion of Baltimore’s Port area, after the bridge collapsed early Tuesday. A massive cargo ship struck one of the bridge’s support pillars, sending the span’s steel truss down into the water.
As of now, four construction workers who are presumed dead remain missing. Efforts aimed at recovering their bodies have been suspended while work focuses on removing debris and pieces of the broken bridge. A massive crane is in place so that work can begin.
The FBI says the “no drone zone” is so work can continue uninterrupted at the collapse site. An investigation continues as to what caused the incident — particularly what happened with the cargo ship. Some have said the ship lost power and couldn’t steer, leading to it crashing into the pillar. NTSB officials say their inquiry will take up to two years to complete.
Reports say the death toll could have been even higher as a result of the tragic incident. Apparently the cargo ship’s crew realized what was happening, called in a mayday, and cops responded by blocking off the bridge. If not, more cars would have been on the span — and the death toll might have been in the dozens.
