Baltimore Orioles And Ravens Offer Millions In Key Bridge Assistance

Following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, support has poured in to fund the Baltimore Community Foundation’s Key Bridge Emergency Fund. Subsequently, the city’s professional sports teams have contributed to the emergency fund, where the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens have collectively pledged $10 million.

Both teams offered $5 million each to the fund seeking to aid the recovery effort after the collapse that occurred in the early hours of March 26. The disaster unfolded after a container ship struck one of the bridge’s piers, leading to a complete collapse.

“BCF established the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund to provide a secure way for Baltimoreans and those who care for them to contribute to the recovery and resilience of Baltimore as a result of the March 26 Key Bridge tragedy. This fund supports regional efforts to heal, respond and memorialize in coordination with adjacent efforts with our strategic partners,” according to the fund’s website.

 

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti released a statement extending the team’s condolences to the victims of the bridge collapse.  On behalf of the team, Bisciotti also expressed his gratitude for all the dedicated first responders who have worked in the aftermath of the disaster.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with the victims of this tragedy and their families,”  he said. “We are thankful to our first responders for their bravery and tireless work. The Ravens are honored to support the Francis Scott Key Bridge recovery efforts and affected Maryland families and businesses. We are confident that Baltimore and Maryland will keep displaying tremendous spirit and strength during this time of great need.”

Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein also released a statement regarding his team’s commitment toward the bridge fund.  “The resiliency of our city has once again been sorely tested,” Rubenstein said.  “Under the leadership of Governor Wes Moore, and in collaboration with the Ravens, the Orioles offer this contribution to support those who keep our city, our state, and our country in business.”

See footage of the catastrophic bridge collapse below:

 

The American Tribune reported on bizarre comments President Biden made about the bridge collapse, leading to online criticism.  In the aftermath of the incident, Biden addressed the rescue efforts and other claims regarding the accident.

“Before I leave for North Carolina, which I’m going to do in a few minutes, I want to speak briefly about the terrible incident and accident that happened in Baltimore this morning,” Biden said.  “At about 1:30, a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which I’ve been over many, many times commuting from the state of Delaware either on a train or by car. I’ve been to Baltimore Harbor many times. And the bridge collapsed, sending several people and vehicles into the water — into the river.”  However, many are confused about this statement that he traveled on the bridge by “train or by car,” given that there are no train tracks on the bridge.

Note:  The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.