Bodycam Footage Reveals Confusion and Devastation After Key Bridge Collapse

Bodycam video captured by Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers provides a firsthand account of the shock and confusion that unfolded after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leaving six construction workers dead.

On March 26, 2024, tragedy struck Baltimore, Maryland, when the 984-foot Sri Lanka-bound Dali container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River beneath. Six construction workers lost their lives in the disaster.

Bodycam footage acquired by Fox News Digital from DNR officers offers a raw and intimate glimpse into the aftermath of the collapse. The videos capture the confusion and shock experienced by the officers as they witnessed the devastation firsthand.

Arriving at the scene nearly an hour after the collapse, the DNR officers were unaware of the extent of the tragedy they were about to encounter. One officer, upon speaking with another law enforcement official, learned that one victim had been pulled from the water, but four more remained unaccounted for.

As they approached the Dali, the officers inquired about injuries among the crew. While the person on board confirmed that one individual had sustained a hand injury, they indicated that the pilot had already called for medical assistance.

Meanwhile, uncertainty lingered regarding the whereabouts of those who had fallen into the water. Responders struggled to determine the exact number of victims, with one officer noting that they had heard "various numbers."

The camera footage also captured the frustration and helplessness felt by the officers as they realized the magnitude of the disaster. One officer exclaimed, "Dude, this is f-----g bad," while another described the surreal scene: "It's like, are you kidding me? It's like, something's missing here on the skyline... the whole center span is gone completely. It's in the water."

The officers also expressed concern about the potential impact of the collapse on Baltimore's infrastructure. "This is catastrophic," one officer said. "The infrastructure of Baltimore is going to take a hit," another added.

As the investigation progressed, questions arose about the actions of the Dali's captain. Conversations captured on the officers' bodycams revealed that five minutes before the crash, the ship had sent a message indicating that it was on course to hit the bridge.

In the aftermath of the collapse, six bodies have been recovered from the submerged rubble. Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the establishment of a scholarship for the families of transportation workers who die on the job.

The bodycam footage serves as a sobering reminder of the human toll and the profound impact that disasters like the Key Bridge collapse have on communities. It also highlights the critical role of first responders in responding to such events and providing assistance to those affected.