Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after being hit by ship, several feared dead
A part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed earlier today after it was struck by a large container ship. Two people have been rescued so far and several fatalities are feared.
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Major portions of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the United States, collapsed early Tuesday, reportedly after being hit by a large container ship. The incident occurred at nearly 1.30 am (US local time). A Reuters report stated local police have confirmed that two people have been rescued and at least seven people are still missing.
Out of the rescued individuals, one is said to be in "very serious condition", the cops told Reuters. They assured that a search and rescue operation is underway, however, they admitted that the authorities have a "large area to search".
The Baltimore City Fire Department described the collapse as a 'mass-casualty incident', as media reports said several vehicles fell into the river below. Rescuers were searching for at least seven people in the water.
Some media reports also said up to 20 construction workers were there on the Baltimore bridge at the time of the incident.
A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, showed the moment the 3 km (1.6 miles) long bridge collapsed.
BREAKING ⚡️ Mass Casualty has been Declared after a Large Container Ship Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, US causing massive damages.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) March 26, 2024
Multiple cars and people may be in the water following the collapse, all still missing at this point. Reports… pic.twitter.com/wKoOlXunV7
The vessel appeared to have hit one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the water, according to the video on X.
The ship caught fire and appeared to sink.
Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, the registered owner of the ship, and the manager, Synergy Marine Group, said its Singapore-flagged container ship 'Dali' collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland.
"Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the 'Dali' has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service," it said, adding that all crew members, including the two pilots who were aboard, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.
Meanwhile, the local traffic said all lanes on both directions were closed for traffic.
"All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured," (sic), the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore also declared a state of emergency after the collapse of the bridge.
The bridge, which opened in 1977, spans the Patapsco River, a vital artery that, along with the Port of Baltimore is a hub for shipping on the East Coast. It is named for the writer of "The Star-Spangled Banner."