United States President Joe Biden conducted an on-site inspection of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on Friday. The Bridge is witnessing continuous efforts to clear the debris that has obstructed one of the nation’s important shipping lanes, news agency Associated Press reported.
Biden, from the vantage point of Marine One, observed the intricate operations to remove the wreckage caused by the collapse. The bridge collapsed last week. As per the AP report, the President was accompanied by local officials, the US Coast Guard, and Army Corps of Engineers representatives. He was briefed about the situation and its regional ramifications by senior officials.
Expressing solidarity with the affected community, Biden said, “I’m here to say your nation has your back and I mean it”.
“Your nation has your back,” Biden assured the people affected by the collapse of the nation’s support, as reported by AP.
The collapse claimed the lives of six workers. The bodies of only two workers have been recovered so far. Meeting with the families of the victims, Biden, as quoted by AP, conveyed, “The damage is devastating and our hearts are still breaking”.
The efforts to restore shipping operations are underway. According to AP, a temporary channel has been established for vessel passage.
According to the AP report, the Army Corps of Engineers aimed to partially reopen the port by the end of April. They aim to fully restore operations by May 31. The restoration of the bridge is critical for maintaining economic stability. The port is significance in terms of trade affairs of the nation.
“From the air, I saw the bridge that has been ripped apart,” Biden said, “but here on the ground, I see a community that’s pulled together,” Biden said.
From the air, I saw a bridge that’s been ripped apart.
But here on the ground, I see a community that’s come together.
I want to thank all the first responders, port workers, and state and local officials who sprang into action before dawn and who’ve been here ever since. pic.twitter.com/0OygdfojCq
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 6, 2024
Recognising the substantial costs involved in cleanup and reconstruction, Biden reaffirmed “the commitment of the federal government to bear the financial burden”.
