The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after it was hit by a cargo ship traveling on the river below.
Fox 5 reports that the 985 foot vessel struck the bridge around 1:30 a.m. and the bridge collapsed immediately after. The Coast Guard and local emergency response teams reacted immediately began a search for people who were on the bridge when it went down.
“This is a dire emergency. Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” the Baltimore Fire Department told reporters. Fire Chief James Wallace said two people were rescued quickly, with one being seriously injured. Others, ranging between seven and 20 were still in the water. Vehicles that sunk into the river are being detected with sonar.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed that the crash was accidental, and there was no intent by the crew to hit the bridge. The Singapore-flagged ship was heading to Sri Lanka before the disaster. The crew and the ship’s two pilots were unharmed by the accident.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in the wake of the disaster.
Drivers in the area are being advised to use I-95 or I-895 as alternate routes, as I-695 is closed at the bridge.
See more photos and videos below:
Closeup view of ship losing power twice before hitting the bridge.
Note that clip is sped up. pic.twitter.com/SWY2qjkl0A— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) March 26, 2024
