Crisis communicators working around the clock after Key Bridge collapses in Baltimore
At approximately 1:30 a.m. on March 26, 2024, a cargo ship leaving the Port of Baltimore carrying 4,700 containers struck the (I-695) Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a collapse of the bridge that created shocking images and video that continue to make international headlines.
Six workers working the night shift fixing potholes on the bridge, were declared dead as the recovery mission continues while local leaders and first-responders continue their important work.
Communicators with state agencies, law enforcement and related organizations began working around the clock as well, including teams from the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), State Highway Administration, Maryland Department of Transportation, Port of Baltimore, NTSB, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and more. The MDTA, which operates the state’s 8 toll facilities — 2 turnpikes, 2 tunnels and 4 bridges — created a special section of their website for Key Bridge News: https://mdta.maryland.gov/ Operating under extreme pressure during one of the biggest news days ever in Maryland, Maryland’s communicators were likely behind many of the following statements posted the day of the tragedy:
