In a startling incident early Tuesday morning, a significant bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after being struck by a container ship, causing several vehicles to plummet into the river below. Emergency responders are currently engaged in a search and rescue operation for potentially seven individuals who may be in the water.
The collapse occurred when the vessel collided with one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to multiple sections of the roadway breaking apart and falling into the Patapsco River. Disturbing footage shared on social media platforms captures the moment of impact, accompanied by the eruption of a fire on the ship, emitting thick, black smoke.
“This is a dire emergency,” stated Kevin Cartwright, the Director of Communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The primary focus at present is on rescuing and recovering individuals affected by the collapse.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland which crosses the Patapsco River has reportedly Collapsed within the last few minutes after being Struck by a Large Container Ship; a Mass Casualty Incident has been Declared with over a Dozen Cars and many Individuals said to… pic.twitter.com/SsPMU8Mjph
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 26, 2024
The exact number of people impacted by the incident remains uncertain, with emergency responders actively searching for survivors. Cartwright characterized the collapse as a “developing mass casualty event,” indicating the severity of the situation.
Additionally, reports suggest that some cargo may be dangling from the bridge, further complicating rescue efforts. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning the Patapsco River, serves as a crucial transportation artery in the region, notably connecting Baltimore and facilitating shipping activities along the East Coast.
The sequence of events leading to the collapse unfolded around 1:30 a.m., when emergency calls reported that a departing ship had struck a column on the bridge. Numerous vehicles, including one resembling a tractor-trailer truck, were reportedly on the bridge at the time of the collision.
Jagged remnants of the bridge’s steel frame can be observed protruding from the water, indicating the extent of the structural damage. The vessel involved in the collision, identified as the “Dali,” was reportedly en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, under the flag of Singapore.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. have confirmed that emergency personnel are actively responding to the situation, with rescue efforts underway. In response to the incident, all lanes on the I-695 Key Bridge have been closed, with traffic being diverted.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge underscores the immediate need for swift and effective response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by this tragic event.
