**Baltimore Authorities Launch Search for Seven Missing After Cargo Ship Collision Leads to Bridge Collapse**
Baltimore is in the midst of a crisis as authorities are on an urgent search for at least seven individuals following a catastrophic collision involving a cargo ship that resulted in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
In a press briefing held on Tuesday morning, Baltimore’s Fire Chief, James Wallace, announced that a search and rescue operation was actively underway after the incident, which occurred at 1:30 AM local time. So far, two people have been rescued from the water. One of them was in serious condition and has been transported to a local trauma center, while the other did not sustain any injuries.
The use of sonar technology has confirmed the presence of submerged vehicles in the water, although the exact number of vehicles involved remains unclear.
Eyewitness video captured a large outbound vessel striking a support column of the bridge, leading to a significant portion of the structure plummeting into the Patapsco River.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott described the event as an “unthinkable tragedy,” emphasizing the importance of focusing on the families and individuals affected and the ongoing efforts to locate those missing. “We’re going to continue to work in partnership with every level of government to navigate through this tragedy,” he stated.
The White House has expressed its concern, stating it is “closely monitoring” the situation and extending its deepest sympathies to the families of the missing individuals amidst this horrific event.
Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, characterized the collapse as a “dire emergency” and a “developing mass casualty event.”
The cargo ship involved, named the Dali, flies under the Singapore flag and is owned by the Synergy Marine Group. The company has confirmed that all crew members are safe.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital transportation artery in Baltimore since its opening in 1977, spans 1.6 miles. It has served as a backdrop for various film productions, including “Deep Impact.”
Current live streams of the area show the halted ship amidst the wreckage of the bridge, painting a grim picture of the aftermath of this disaster.