(CP) Political and non secular leaders in Baltimore, in addition to Maryland and federal officials, have called for prayers and attended prayer vigils after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse Tuesday leaving six presumed dead.
The Key Bridge, the a part of the I-695 beltway that spans over the Patapsco River, collapsed early Tuesday morning after a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore crashed into the bridge, resulting in its quick collapse.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, a Democrat, described the bridge collapse as an “unthinkable tragedy” as he appeared alongside Wallace on the news conference.
“We should at first, pray for all of those that are impacted, those families,” he proclaimed.
Scott also urged people to “pray for our first responders and thank them, all of them working together: city, state, local to be sure that that we’re working through this tragedy.”
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, a Democrat, offered an analogous sentiment as he spoke on the news conference.
“I’d just echo the mayor in lifting up prayers for many who are impacted but additionally ask that our residents … pray for our first responders.”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, issued a statement Tuesday after declaring a state of emergency. Moore expressed gratitude for first responders, stating, “We are thankful for the brave men and ladies who’re carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everybody’s safety.”
President Joe Biden also weighed in on the bridge collapse in remarks on the White House Tuesday.
He assured, “Our prayers are with everyone involved on this terrible accident and all of the families, especially those waiting for the news of their loved one at once.”
Archbishop William Lori, the leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore, released a statement reacting to the bridge collapse Tuesday.
“I’m saddened, as you might be, to learn of the tragic incident overnight that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Baltimore harbor,” he said.
Lori urged the faithful to “pray with me for all involved, especially the victims traveling over the span on the time of impact, the development crews on site and the entire first responders acting with urgency to rescue survivors.”
“Let us take part prayer in asking the Lord to grant consolation and strength as we address this terrible tragedy,” Lori added.
Multiple churches held special services to hope for many who can have lost their lives and/or sustained injuries as a result of the bridge collapse.
The Archdiocese of Baltimore shared a post from its publication, The Catholic Review, on Facebook Tuesday, noting that “greater than 200 people” attended a “special 5:30 p.m. Mass on the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen” within the Homeland neighborhood of Baltimore.
Scott took to Facebook Tuesday to invite people to affix him and “faith Leaders from across town in a moment of unity and solace in response” to the bridge collapse by attending a prayer vigil at Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Turner Station in nearby Dundalk, Maryland.
Scott and Olszewski were listed as guests on the prayer vigil, which took place between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
In addition to raising concerns about potential lives lost, the bridge collapse has other consequences.
As Biden indicated when describing the bridge as “probably the most vital elements for the economy within the Northeast and the standard of life” that’s “critical” for travel within the northeastern U.S., “Over 30,000 vehicles cross the Francis Scott Key Bridge on a day by day basis.”
The collapse of the bridge has led to traffic being rerouted.
Additionally, shipping traffic within the Port of Baltimore has been suspended, even though it continues to be open for truck transactions. Biden identified the Port of Baltimore as “the highest port in America for each imports and exports of automobiles and lightweight trucks” that employs 15,000 people.
