In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped the city of Baltimore, the iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge tragically collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, following a collision with a ship, as confirmed by the Maryland Transportation Authority. This catastrophic incident, occurring around 1:30 a.m., prompted the governor to declare a state of emergency. The bridge, a vital 1.6-mile artery of the Baltimore Beltway (Interstate 695), spans the Patapsco River and its sudden collapse has plunged the city into a state of urgent response.
In the wake of this disaster, an extensive search operation is underway for several individuals reported missing, feared to have been on the bridge at the time of its collapse. Spearheading the search efforts, multiple agencies, including a specialized dive team, have been mobilized. The Coast Guard has also dispatched numerous response units to the scene. Exclusive footage captured by SkyTeam 11, Baltimore’s premier news helicopter, showcases the relentless search efforts as crews comb through the waters.
This incident has not only caused immediate disruption but also raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure and the implications for the city’s transport network. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen tragedy, the focus remains on the ongoing search and rescue operations, with hopes fervently set on finding the missing individuals safe and sound.
Updated: March 26, 2024, at 6:15 AM EDT, this developing story continues to unfold, drawing attention from both local and national media outlets.