In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a catastrophic event unfolded in Baltimore, Md., when a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to a mass casualty situation. The collision, which occurred just before 1:30 a.m., resulted in the bridge’s steel arches collapsing into the Patapsco River, captured in shocking footage that has since spread across the internet.
The extent of the damage and the number of vehicles present on the 1.6-mile-long bridge at the time of the incident remain uncertain. However, the Baltimore City Fire Department has reported that at least seven individuals ended up in the river following the collapse.
Kevin Cartwright, the Baltimore Fire Department’s director of communications, announced the deployment of the dive and rescue team to the scene in an effort to locate and rescue the individuals.
The dramatic collapse was also documented in a YouTube livestream video, showcasing the bridge succumbing to the waters below.
Both the US Coast Guard and the Maryland Transportation Authority have acknowledged the crash but have yet to release further details. In response to the incident, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced the closure of all lanes on the I-695 Key Bridge in both directions, with traffic being rerouted to avoid the area.
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. has called for prayers for those affected by the tragedy as rescue operations continue. The surrounding waters have been reported to be contaminated with diesel, complicating the rescue efforts.
Search and rescue operations were in full swing, with multiple Coast Guard boats seen circling the area around 3 a.m. in an attempt to manage the situation.
The incident has led to a complete halt of traffic across the bridge, which has been a vital part of Baltimore’s infrastructure since its construction in 1977, serving as a key passage into the city’s harbor.
As this story develops, more updates are expected to be provided on the situation and the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of this tragic event.