In the early hours of Tuesday, a dramatic incident unfolded in Baltimore when a container ship collided with a significant bridge, causing parts of the structure to collapse into the river below. This catastrophic event led to several vehicles plummeting into the frigid waters, prompting a frantic search for at least seven individuals.
For the latest developments, watch the video below:
**What We Know About the Collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge**
Rescue teams successfully extracted two individuals from the icy waters beneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge, with one of them in a critical condition, as reported by Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. The collision, which involved the cargo ship striking one of the bridge’s pillars, occurred during the night, a time when traffic is typically minimal. The aftermath saw the vessel engulfed in flames, emitting dense, black smoke.
**Cargo Ship Strikes Baltimore’s Key Bridge, Resulting in Collapse**
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the scene as reminiscent of an action movie, labeling the incident an “unthinkable tragedy.” According to Fire Chief Wallace, the search could potentially extend to seven or more individuals, though it remains uncertain if the two rescued individuals are part of this count.
Sonar detection has confirmed the presence of vehicles submerged in the water, where temperatures hovered around 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius), based on data from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration buoy.
Kevin Cartwright, the Baltimore Fire Department’s communications director, informed The Associated Press that multiple vehicles, including one as large as a tractor-trailer truck, were on the bridge when it gave way. He described the situation as a “developing mass casualty event,” though the exact number of affected individuals was unclear at the time.
Some of the cargo was seen hanging precariously from the bridge, which serves as a vital link across the Patapsco River and a key entry point to a bustling harbor leading to the Port of Baltimore, an essential East Coast shipping hub. Named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the bridge has been a fixture since its inauguration in 1977.
In response to the disaster, Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and initiated efforts to secure federal assistance. The FBI was also present at the scene.
The ship involved, named “Dali” and managed by Synergy Marine Group, collided with a bridge pillar around 1:30 a.m. while under the guidance of two pilots. Despite the severe incident, all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for without any reported injuries.
From a nearby vantage point, the damaged bridge’s steel remnants were starkly visible, jutting out from the water, with the approach road ending abruptly at the collapsed section’s edge.
The “Dali” was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, flying under a Singapore flag, as reported by WTOP radio station, citing Coast Guard Petty Officer Matthew West in Baltimore.
This incident recalls a 2001 event when a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a downtown Baltimore tunnel, igniting a fire that emitted thick black smoke into the city and necessitated the temporary closure of major access roads.
**Correction:** Initial reports mistakenly suggested that the ship had sunk. This has been clarified to reflect the accurate situation.