Evening summary
We are wrapping up our minute-by-minute updates on the Baltimore bridge collapse for this evening, but will continue to share major news updates on our homepage.
Six people remain missing in the wake of the bridge collapse, as state and national officials said a search and rescue mission by land, air and sea remained the top priority, and offered prayers and support to the families of the missing.
Local news outlets reported that eight construction workers repairing potholes on the bridge were believed to have fallen into the water, and only two have been rescued so far. One person who was hospitalized following the collapse has been released from the hospital.
The missing are “hard-working, humble men” from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. They are in their 30s and 40s and have spouses and children, another construction worker told the Baltimore Banner. Doctors from a local hospital trauma center said that it was unlikely that anyone could survive for multiple hours submerged in the harbor’s cold water.
Joe Biden called the bridge collapse “a terrible accident”, pledged financial and logistical assistance to rebuild the bridge and highlighted the importance of Baltimore’s port to the local and national economies.
The bridge collapse is expected to have a major and sustained impact on supply chains because of the importance of Baltimore’s harbor to international shipping routes.
The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the bridge collapse.
Maryland governor Wes Moore said quick action by officials as ship headed towards a collision with the bridge stopped additional vehicles from driving onto it, saving “innumerable” lives.
Updated
Wes Moore: quick action to stop additional cars going over bridge saved lives
Asked by reporters if there had been any vehicles on the bridge when it collapsed, Maryland governor Wes Moore said that was still under investigation.
But he said that “the quick work” of public and law enforcement officials to keep additional vehicles from driving onto the bridge as the collision unfolded “undoubtedly saved innumerable lives”.
Updated
There will be ‘major and protracted impact to supply chains’, says Buttigieg.
This is Lois Beckett, picking up our live coverage from Los Angeles.
At this afternoon’s press conference, transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg told reporters that the bridge collapse would have a national impact, because of the amount of cargo that comes through Baltimore’s port.
“There is no question that this will be a major and protracted impact to supply chains,” Buttigieg said. “It’s too soon to offer estimates on what it will take to clear the channel and reopen the port.”
Updated
Wes Moore: no update on search and rescue efforts, vows to deploy all resources
Maryland governor Wes Moore said that there are no new updates on the search and rescue effort.
Moore added that rescuers have deployed air, land, and sea methods to help search for survivors.
“There is not a single resource that we will hold off on deploying,” Moore said during the press conference.
“This is very much still a search and rescue mission,” he added.
Updated
Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, called Key Bridge one of the “cathedrals of American infrastructure”, during remarks at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
“This is no ordinary bridge. This is one of the cathedrals of American infrastructure … so the path to normalcy will not be easy. It will not be quick. It will not be inexpensive, but we will rebuild together.”
Buttigieg added that government officials will need to “render all of the support that is needed at the federal level”.
“The federal government will provide all of the support that [is needed] for as long as it takes,” he added.
Updated
A body has reportedly been recovered from the water as search and rescue efforts are ongoing following the Key Bridge collapse, CNN reported.
Phylicia Porter, a Baltimore city councilmember, told the network that she had heard a body was pulled from the water.
“We are hearing one body was found,” she said.
The US Coast Guard, which has been leading search efforts, has not confirmed that report.
Updated
Men missing are 'hard-working, humble', says man who reportedly knows them
Six people are still missing after the Key Bridge collapse as search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Jesus Campos, a construction worker who reportedly knows those working on the bridge, told the Baltimore Banner that they are all men from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico.
Campos added that they are all in their 30s and 40s and have spouses and children.
“They are hard-working, humble men,” Campos said.
From Baltimore Banner reporter
Clara Longo de Freitas via X:
Jesus Campos, a construction worker who knows the crew, said the men were from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Mexico. They are in their 30s and 40s and have spouses and children.
— clara longo de freitas (@claralfreitas) March 26, 2024
“They are hard-working, humble men,” he said.
More updates to come for @BaltimoreBanner. pic.twitter.com/dhMoFTiU7I
Updated
Homendy added that investigators are still working to verify if the ship lost power shortly before crashing with the Key Bridge.
On those reports, Homendy said:
We’ve heard the reports. We have been made aware of those same reports about there being a power outage. I’ve also seen statements, media releases from Singapore as well. It’s something that we take in, but something that we have to verify through our investigation that that was what was part of the contributing cause here. So too early to tell.
Updated
The NTSB will be “standing back” for the time being to allow the coastguard to continue its search and rescue.
“We chose not to board the vessel today to allow some time for the search and recovery which we did not want to interfere with,” Homendy said.
“That is first and foremost,” she said.
Homendy added that the NTSB has gathered some additional information on the accident that needs to be verified first before publication.
Updated
NTSB will investigate bridge collapse
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair, Jennifer Homendy, confirmed that the agency will investigate the Key Bridge collapse, she said during a press conference.
The agency arrived to the scene at 6.00am on Tuesday to investigate the crash.
The US Coast Guard is also assisting with the investigation, calling the relationship between the two agencies “cooperative”.
“I want to extend our deepest sympathies to those who have been affect by today’s events,” Homendy added.
Homendy declined to comment on any potential fatalities associated with the bridge collapse, but noted that a search and rescue is still under way.
Updated
Bridge height is 'potentially lethal problem' among other concerns, says doctor
Doctors with the the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center are speaking on possible injuries that victims of the Key Bridge collapse are facing.
The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, which is apart of the University of Maryland medical system, received one patient who was injured. That person was released this afternoon.
While doctors did not speak on that specific patient’s injuries, they said that patients from the bridge collapse could face injuries from falling off the bridge.
“This is a very high bridge … the height alone [poses] a potentially lethal problem,” Dr David T Efron said during a press briefing.
Being trapped beneath metal or concrete could lead to a crushing injury.
Doctors added that patients also face the possibility of hypothermia. “[It] doesn’t take very long for someone to feel the effects of [the water’s] temperature,” Efron added.
On hypothermia, Efron added that being submerged for more than hour is “almost invariably not going to be survivable”.
Updated
Key event
The White House will also be monitoring how the Key Bridge collapse will disrupt domestic and global supply chains further, Reuters reported.
Officials have already warned that the collapsed bridge could have a significant impact on shipping out of the east coast.
The global supply chain has already faced major disruptions amid two global wars – one in Ukraine and in Gaza. The climate crisis and rising interest rates have also made shipping more expensive, costs that ultimately fall to consumers.
“This comes at a particularly difficult time,” said Bindiya Vakil, chief executive of supply chain management company Resilinc to the Washington Post. “With interest rates high, companies are looking to keep products moving.”
Read the full Washington Post article here (paywall).
Updated
The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, is speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One now, on the way to Raleigh, North Carolina.
Joe Biden and the vice-president, Kamala Harris, are holding a joint event there to talk about healthcare.
Reporters are firing off their questions now. Jean-Pierre is confirming the US president’s position is he will “move heaven and earth” to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge.
She’s being asked about the state of US infrastructure but emphasizes that although the government pledges to work with Congress for funding to rebuild the bridge, the search and rescue effort that’s still under way in Baltimore is the main focus.
Updated
The person who was hospitalized following the Key Bridge collapse has been released, according to a hospital press release.
Officials with the University of Maryland medical center are expected to have a virtual press briefing at 2.30pm ET about the incident.
Here is the full statement from the hospital:
The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center received one patient from the incident. The patient has been discharged.
Updated
Authorities attempted to clear the Key Bridge before the cargo ship crashed into it on Tuesday morning, according to radio transmissions before the crash, CNN reported.
Officials communicated via radio that the ship had “lost [its] steering” and was quickly approaching the bridge. They then worked to stop traffic.
“I need one of you guys on the south side, one of you guys on the north side, hold all traffic on the Key Bridge. There’s a ship approaching that just lost their steering so until we get that under control, we’ve got to stop all traffic,” a person said via radio.
As the bridge collapsed, another person said: “The whole bridge just fell down. Start, start whoever … everybody. The whole bridge just collapsed…”
Updated
Transportation secretary to travel to Baltimore
Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, is also traveling to the accident site to help with investigation efforts.
Biden confirmed that Buttigieg is traveling to the site today during his remarks.
Wes Moore, the governor of Maryland, said early Tuesday that his office was communicating with Buttigieg amid the accident.
My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation @SecretaryPete Buttigieg, Baltimore @MayorBMScott, @BaltCoExec, and @BaltimoreFire as emergency personnel are on the scene following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) March 26, 2024
Updated
Biden said he is going to have the federal government pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge.
“We’re not leaving until this job is done,” Biden said.
Biden added that he plans to travel to Baltimore “as quickly as I can,” though did not share details about when.
When asked about if the ship’s company should cover costs of repair, Biden said he is not going to “wait for that to happen”.
Updated
Biden: search and rescue is 'top priority'
Biden emphasized that search and rescue efforts remain a “top priority”, as six people are still unaccounted for.
Biden said that he was thinking of those who are waiting to hear about their loved ones.
“We’re with you. We’re going to stay with you as long as it takes. You’re Maryland tough, you’re Baltimore strong,” Biden said.
Updated
Biden calls bridge collapse a 'terrible accident'
Biden said that the Key Bridge collapse was a “terrible accident”, emphasizing reports from other agencies that the incident was not intentional.
Biden said: “Everything so far indicates that this was a terrible accident. At this time, we have no other indication. No other reason to believe there’s any intentional act here,” Biden said.
“We’re going to rebuild that port together,” Biden added.
Updated
Joe Biden is currently speaking on the Key Bridge accident.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Biden shared a statement on the bridge collapse, according to a social media post.
Biden said that he met with senior members of his team and was briefed about the bridge collapse, in a post to X.
This morning, I convened senior members of my team for a briefing on the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.
I’ve directed my Administration to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident.
This morning, I convened senior members of my team for a briefing on the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.
— President Biden (@POTUS) March 26, 2024
I've directed my Administration to ensure every federal resource is available to assist search and rescue efforts and response to this terrible incident. pic.twitter.com/quqe7jogwm
Biden is expected to speak soon about the Key Bride collapse, with remarks scheduled to start at 12.30 pm ET.
Stay turned for further updates!
Updated
The same vessel that hit the Baltimore Key Bridge on Tuesday, destroying it and sending people and vehicles tumbling into the water, was involved in a collision while leaving the port of Antwerp, Belgium, in 2016.
According to Vessel Finder the weather was fine at the time, and the incident was reportedly blamed on the ship’s master and pilot onboard.
Our video team have this video report:
In the immediate aftermath of the bridge collapse, far-right influencers have already begun questioning whether the accident was intentional or part of a nefarious plot.
Authorities so far have said the crash appears to be an accident – the FBI has said there is “no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time” while the homeland security secretary said “there are no indications this was an intentional act.” A report from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said the ship was in contact with transportation authorities before the collision because it had “lost propulsion.”
The theories spreading so far aren’t unified under a particular narrative, but more fall into “just asking questions” speculation territory. Mike Flynn, the former national security adviser to Donald Trump and frequent sharer of conspiracy theories, posted on X along these lines, calling the collision a “BLACK SWAN event,” a type of unforeseeable event that causes major upheaval. Lara Logan, the media personality who often spreads these kinds of rumors, made claims of a cyber attack without evidence, saying on X that “they are going to have a hard time selling this one as an accident to those who know how these things are done.”
The move into speculation and rumors right after a tragedy is now a hallmark of the internet, where this quick misinformation rockets around online well before investigations into the facts have time to catch up. It becomes especially acute during election years, when unrelated events get tied up into political and electoral narratives.
Former US Rep. Denver Riggleman summarized the spread of these rumors on X: “Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore.—Tragic. Accident. Sad. Now, let’s endure the inevitable fever-dream conspiracy theories & speculative shite pushed by the ‘Ball of string & whiteboard’ crowd. Lots of QAnon’ers and alien abduction folks firing up the forums.”
Biden to make speech after Key Bridge collapse
Joe Biden is expected to give remarks on the Key Bridge collapse later today, NBC News reported.
Biden was briefed on the collapse early Tuesday, according to a statement from the White House.
“The president has been briefed on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and the ongoing search and rescue efforts. He will continue to receive updates from his team throughout the day,” the statement read.
Updated
Here are some images showing the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse that happened early Tuesday.
Updated
The Francis Scott Key Bridge was up to code before the bridge collapse, Moore added.
Moore confirmed that the bridge was “fully up to code” prior to Tuesday’s accident. Moore added that rebuilding the bridge will be a long-term effort.
Updated
Reuters has corrected an earlier report that one person has died in the hospital following the Key Bridge collapse.
Reuters previously reported that a person died following the accident.
That claim has since been corrected. One person is currently in the hospital.
Another person who was rescued is not in the hospital, according to Maryland Transportation Secretary, Reuters reported.
Updated
Crew issued mayday request after ship lost power, governor says
Maryland governor Wes Moore added that the ship had lost power around the time when the cargo ship hit the Key Bridge.
The ship’s crew issued a “mayday” request. Moore said that officials were able to slow the flow of traffic, preventing more vehicles from falling into the water.
“These people are heroes. They saved lives last night,” Moore said.
Updated
Six people still unaccounted for after bridge collapse, officials say
Six people are still unaccounted for following the Francis Scott Key bridge collapse.
Eight people reportedly fell into the water, officials say. All eight were construction workers who were assisting with a project. One person was taken to an area hospital.
Updated
A press conference is now underway following the Key Bridge collapse.
Maryland governor Wes Moore gave remarks early in the conference.
Moore said that response teams are still working to rescue people who may have fallen into the water after the bridge collapse.
He added that the preliminary investigation suggests that the bridge collision was an accident.
“In the face of heart break, we come together. We embrace one another and we come back stronger. That’s what we’ve always done…and that’s what we’re going to get done together. And we’re going to pray for Baltimore,” Moore said.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Updated
Brandon M Scott, the mayor of Baltimore, has declared a local state of emergency following the Key Bridge collapse, according to a statement on social media.
In a post to X, Scott said he is “officially declaring a local state of emergency in response to the collapse of our Key Bridge.”
“Our teams are mobilizing resources and working swiftly to address this crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of our community,” Scott added.
Here is the full declaration:
Baltimore, I am officially declaring a local state of emergency in response to the collapse of our Key Bridge. Our teams are mobilizing resources and working swiftly to address this crisis and ensure the safety and well-being of our community. pic.twitter.com/x6euk2SocZ
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Updated
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Baltimore said that the Key Bridge collapse is not a result of terrorism, according to a statement on social media.
The FBI’s Baltimore division said there is “no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time”, in a post made to X.
The office added that an investigation is still ongoing.
RE: Francis Scott Key Bridge:
— FBI Baltimore (@FBIBaltimore) March 26, 2024
There is no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time. The investigation is ongoing. FBI Baltimore will continue to support our partners at the local, state, and federal levels. pic.twitter.com/XwNJhuUtK7
Homeland security secretary says collision doesn't appear intentional act
Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said the Key Bridge collision does not appear to be an intentional act, in a social media post.
In an update to X, Mayorkas said: “There are no indications this was an intentional act and we are assessing the impacts to the Port of Baltimore.”
Mayorkas added that the US Coast Guard and other agencies are in Baltimore assisting with search and rescue efforts.
We are closely monitoring the tragic situation unfolding as a result of a containership colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Our thoughts are with the families of the missing and injured. (1/2)
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) March 26, 2024
The @USCG was on the scene along with our state and local partners and is actively involved in search and rescue operations this morning. There are no indications this was an intentional act and we are assessing the impacts to the Port of Baltimore. (2/2)
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) March 26, 2024
Updated
Baltimore’s mayor, Brandon M Scott, is still at the site of the Key Bridge collapse, according to a a new statement posted to social media.
Scott via X/Twitter:
We remain on site managing the Key Bridge Collapse incident, especially the ongoing search & rescue effort.
This is a multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency effort with federal, state, and local resources mobilizing.
We will continue to make updates throughout the day.
Updated
The cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge also crashed in a separate case in 2016.
The Dali cargo ship was involved in a collision at the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. It was headed to Bremerhaven.
Maersk, the company that chartered the container ship, released a statement on Tuesday following the Baltimore accident:
We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected.
We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed.
Updated
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is restricting aircraft from flying over the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse due to ongoing rescue efforts.
From the FAA via X:
Drone pilots: The FAA has flight restrictions in place around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Do not interfere with rescue operations. If you fly, emergency response operations cannot.
Drone pilots: The FAA has flight restrictions in place around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Do not interfere with rescue operations. If you fly, emergency response operations cannot. https://t.co/AXVbkrrk82 #NoDroneZone pic.twitter.com/mRFTxw1r96
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) March 26, 2024
Updated
Summary
Good morning. It is 8.27am in Baltimore, Maryland, where a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after it was struck by a container ship early on Tuesday morning.
Here’s the latest so far:
At least seven people were in need of rescue in the Patapsco River, a reporter on the scene said, citing the Baltimore fire department. Two people have been rescued so far as first responders work on searching for others who may have fallen into the river.
The vessel which collided with the bridge was chartered by Maersk, the company said. Maersk said that the vessel was operated by Synergy Group and was carrying Maersk customers’ cargo, Reuters reported.
Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, said in a statement that he has declared a state of emergency. “We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden administration,” he said.
Multiple vehicles fell into the water due to the bridge collapse, according to video. The Maryland transportation authority has closed all lanes in both directions of the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Updated
An unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency report said the container ship Dali “lost propulsion” as it was leaving port and warned Maryland officials of a possible collision, ABC reported.
“The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel and an allision [a ship collision] with the bridge was possible,” the report said.
Updated
Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, is at the site of the incident in Baltimore.
.@GovWesMoore is on site at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. pic.twitter.com/4nC12WQAz5
— Carter Elliott, IV (@CarterElliottIV) March 26, 2024
.@GovWesMoore with @MayorBMScott viewing the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. pic.twitter.com/9lneOzVtC1
— Carter Elliott, IV (@CarterElliottIV) March 26, 2024
Updated
Officials both in Baltimore and Washington have underscored that they do not believe the incident is terrorism-related.
“There is no indication of any nefarious intent,” the White House said.
Updated
Here are the latest images from Baltimore.
Updated
Baltimore port traffic is suspended until further notice, Reuters reported citing Maryland transportation authorities.
In a statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore confirmed that the vessel involved in the Baltimore incident was registered in Singapore and said the agency was coordinating with the US Coast Guard and the ship’s management company to help.
It also said it would investigate the incident itself.
There were 22 crew onboard at the time of the incident, Singapore said.
Andrew Barr, an expert in civil and structural engineering at the University of Sheffield, said that “the video doesn’t show any obvious structural deficiencies with the bridge, but it will not have been designed to survive a head-on collision with such a large vessel”.
He added:
Bridges in shipping lanes are sometimes designed with strong, stout piers, or additional protective structures around the piers to prevent ships from coming into contact with the bridge structure.
It doesn’t appear that the Key Bridge had either of these features, although it is also very likely that the size and design of the vessels passing under the bridge has changed considerably since it was completed in 1977.
Updated
The vessel which collided with the bridge in Baltimore was also involved in a collision in 2016 in Antwerp, Belgium, according to Vessel Finder and the maritime incident archive Shipwrecklog.
Its bow reportedly scraped the side of the quay while it was leaving port, significantly damaging several meters of the hull, and it was reportedly detained by authorities afterward.
According to Vessel Finder, the weather was fine at the time and the incident was blamed on the ship’s master and pilot on board. There were reportedly no injuries.
At least 10 commercial ships headed to Baltimore port have dropped anchor in waters nearby, Reuters reported citing ship tracking data.
The White House says it is “closely monitoring” the situation in Baltimore and its “hearts go out” to the families of those who are missing after the “horrific incident”.
In a statement, it said: “The US Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue for those who remain unaccounted for as a result of the bridge collapse.
“Senior White House officials are in touch with the governor and mayor to offer any federal assistance they need. There is no indication of any nefarious intent.”
Baltimore’s mayor, Brandon Scott, told reporters that “the discussion right now should be about the people, the lives, the souls… there are people in the water that we have to get out and that’s the only thing we should be talking about.”
Richard Worley, the Baltimore police chief, said there was no indication this was done on purpose.
Updated
Search and rescue efforts continue in Baltimore, after two people rescued
Search and rescue operations are ongoing in Baltimore, officials said in an update. Two people have been rescued, with one of them “severely” injured.
In a press conference, James Wallace, chief of Baltimore’s fire department, said “at least seven” vehicles fell into the water.
The tide is adding a challenge for rescue efforts, he said, noting that rescuers are battling darkness and it’s possible some people have yet to be seen.
Different agencies are present on the ground to bring equipment to cover a large search area, he noted.
Updated
Vessel which collided with bridge chartered by Maersk, company says
Maersk has said that the vessel operated by Synergy Group which crashed into the bridge in Baltimore was chartered by Maersk and and carrying Maersk customers’ cargo, Reuters reported.
The company added that it is closely following investigations by the authorities and Synergy.
Updated
Maryland governor declares state of emergency
Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, said in a statement that he has declared a state of emergency
“We are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration,” he said, adding:
We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety. We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy.
Statement from @GovWesMoore on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge:
— Carter Elliott, IV (@CarterElliottIV) March 26, 2024
My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Baltimore Fire Department as…
Pete Buttigieg, the secretary of transportation, said he’s spoken with Maryland and Baltimore officials.
“Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response,” he said.
I’ve spoken with Gov. Moore and Mayor Scott to offer USDOT’s support following the vessel strike and collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge. Rescue efforts remain underway and drivers in the Baltimore area should follow local responder guidance on detours and response.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 26, 2024
Here are more images from Baltimore.
At least seven vehicles fell into the water, Baltimore City Fire spokesman Kevin Cartwright told WTOP.
A dive team was deployed to help those in the river, he said.
Here are the latest images from Baltimore.
The Synergy Marine Group, manager of the Singapore-flagged container ship, the Dali, has said that all crew members, including two pilots, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries, Reuters reported.
Updated
Baltimore Key Bridge collapse: vehicles fall into water after being hit by ship
A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a cargo ship collided with it early on Tuesday, sending multiple vehicles into the water.
At about 1.30am, a vessel crashed into the bridge. A video posted on X appeared to show much of the 2.6km bridge giving way, as a number of vehicles fell into the water below.
“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.
Emergency responders were searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water, said Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore fire department.
He said agencies had received 911 calls about 1.30am, reporting a vessel travelling outbound from Baltimore that had struck a column on the bridge, causing it to collapse. Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer.
“Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” Cartwright said. He said it was too early to know how many people were affected but described the collapse as a “developing mass casualty event”.
Read the full story here.
Updated
Moment bridge collapses in Baltimore after cargo ship collision – video
A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has collapsed after a large boat collided with it early this morning, sending multiple vehicles into the water. Watch the footage here:
At least seven people in need of rescue in river after bridge collapse
At least seven people are in need of rescue in the Patapsco River, a reporter on the scene, said citing the Baltimore fire department.
This is as close as we media can get to what is left of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore
— Ken Duffy (@kenduffywbal) March 26, 2024
The span is said to be completely gone after a large container ship hit the span
Baltimore City Fire says at least 7 people are in need of rescue in the Patapsco River @wbalradio pic.twitter.com/W4D9S8vVEv
'Efforts are underway,' Baltimore mayor says
Brandon Scott, the mayor of Baltimore, said emergency personnel are on the scene at the Key Bridge.
I'm aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Baltimore bridge collapses
A part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has collapsed after a vessel crashed into the bridge, causing vehicles to fall into the river below.
The coastguard in Baltimore said the vessel that hit the bridge was a container ship flying under a Singapore flag, WTOP reported.
