Article Summary –
US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated private companies will be held accountable if they are responsible for the Francis Scott Key Bridge cargo ship crash. Buttigieg told CNN there’s a “long road to recovery” for the bridge and the Port of Baltimore, which he mentioned were a priority for the Biden administration. He warned of supply chain disruptions due to the accident, noting that the Port of Baltimore, the biggest vehicle-handling port in the country, is now out of commission until the channel can be cleared.
Transportation Secretary Speaks on Francis Scott Key Bridge Cargo Ship Crash
Pete Buttigieg, the US Transportation Secretary, has stated that private companies responsible for the Francis Scott Key Bridge cargo ship crash will be held liable. He proclaims, “If any private party is responsible and accountable for this, they will be held accountable. We can’t wait for that to play out to get to work right now.”
Buttigieg anticipates a lengthy recovery process for the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Port of Baltimore. He assures that restoring the bridge and reopening the port is a priority for the Biden administration.
When questioned about the reopening of the Patapsco River channel, Buttigieg admits to not having a definite timeline. He is actively working with relevant authorities, including the US Coast Guard, to expedite the process. He acknowledges that the condition of the remaining pier will significantly influence the timeline.
He emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to get those ships in, there are some ships that are already in there that can’t get out. It’s very important to get that channel open.”
Buttigieg warns of imminent disruptions to regional and national supply chains due to the incident. He mentions, “The impact is going to be felt throughout the region and our supply chains. We’re talking about the biggest vehicle-handling port in the country that is now out of commission until that channel can be cleared – and a bridge that took five years to build.”
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