In a devastating event reminiscent of a disaster movie, a colossal cargo ship collided with Baltimore’s iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a catastrophic collapse that sent vehicles and individuals plummeting into the icy waters below. The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, has left six people presumed dead, according to a Coast Guard official addressing reporters at a solemn news conference.

Here’s what we can piece together about this harrowing catastrophe:

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the DALI, a container vessel flying the flag of Singapore, collided with one of the bridge’s sturdy pillars, as per officials’ reports. This mammoth ship, measuring a staggering 984 feet in length according to MarineTraffic data, nearly three times the length of a football field, found itself in a dire situation. Moments prior to the calamity, the vessel reportedly experienced a temporary loss of propulsion, prompting its crew to deploy emergency measures, including dropping anchor, as detailed in a statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. However, these efforts proved futile as the vessel veered off course and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Footage captured before the tragedy unfolded reveals flickering lights aboard the ill-fated vessel, indicating potential mechanical troubles. Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed that authorities were notified of a power issue aboard the ship just before the collision, suggesting a loss of power contributed to the disaster.

Moreover, analysis of video footage depicting the crash indicates that the DALI was off course, striking a pillar on one side of the bridge rather than navigating through the central channel with the highest clearance, as noted by Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld in an interview with CNN.

Tragically, the six individuals presumed dead were hardworking construction workers, engaged in routine maintenance on the bridge’s surface when tragedy struck, according to Wiedefeld. He emphasized that the construction work bore no responsibility for the structural integrity of the bridge, dispelling any notions of negligence on their part.

Despite valiant efforts by rescue teams, hopes of finding survivors among the missing six have dwindled, with Rear Admiral Shannan Gilreath conveying the grim reality of the situation due to factors such as water temperature and the duration since the incident occurred. Meanwhile, two individuals who were on the bridge at the time of the collapse were rescued from the frigid waters of the Patapsco River, one of whom remains in critical condition.

As authorities delve into the aftermath of this tragedy, the FBI’s presence on the scene underscores the seriousness of the situation, although state and federal officials have stated that there is no indication of foul play. The FBI’s involvement serves multiple purposes, including providing additional resources for search efforts and investigating whether the incident was deliberate, as former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe explained in a CNN interview.

In the wake of this calamity, the National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of the investigation, with Chair Jennifer Homendy leading a team of experts to ascertain the causes behind this tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, the impact of this disaster on the local community and economy cannot be overstated, with President Joe Biden vowing federal support for the reconstruction of the vital bridge, emphasizing its significance in sustaining regional commerce and livelihoods.

In the face of adversity, the nation stands united in mourning the lives lost and rallying behind efforts to rebuild and recover from this monumental tragedy.

Thanks to The AP, CNN, Breitbart, and The Gateway Pundit for contributing to this article.