Washington, 26 March 2024 (dpa/MIA) - US President Joe Biden has promised swift aid to expedite efforts to rebuild the bridge that collapsed in Baltimore.

"It's my intention that federal government will pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge. And I expect the Congress to support my effort," Biden told a press conference on Tuesday.

"As I told [Maryland] Governor [Wes] Moore, I'm directing my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as you humanly possible," the president added.

"Our prayers are with everyone involved in this terrible accident and all the families especially those waiting for the news of their loved one right now. I know every minute in that circumstance feels like a lifetime. I just don't know. It's just terrible."

A cargo ship rammed into the four-lane Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore harbour early Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse. Several people are still missing.

Biden highlighted Baltimore's significance as a transport hub. "It's also the top port in America for both imports and exports of automobiles and light trucks. Around 850,000 vehicles go through that port every single year."

"And we're gonna get it up and running again as soon as possible. 15,000 jobs depend on that port and we're gonna do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers," he vowed.

"The bridge is also critical to for travel, not just for Baltimore, but for the Northeast Corridor. Over 30,000 vehicles crossed the Francis Scott Key Bridge on a daily basis."

Photo: EPA