In a devastating turn of events early Tuesday morning, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after being struck by a large container ship. The collision caused vehicles and individuals to plunge into the Patapsco River below, triggering a frantic search and rescue effort by local authorities and the Coast Guard.
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace addressed reporters, describing the scene as “an active search and rescue.” The Coast Guard joined the efforts, with Wallace indicating that they could be searching for as many as seven individuals. Sonar technology has been deployed to aid in locating vehicles submerged in the river.
At least two people have been rescued from the water, with one individual reported to be in “very serious” condition and receiving treatment at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, mobilizing federal resources to assist in the rescue operation.
The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when multiple 911 calls reported a vessel striking a bridge column. While the exact number of vehicles on the bridge remains unclear, reports suggest the presence of a large tractor-trailer. Kevin Cartwright, the communications director for the fire department, characterized the collapse as a “mass casualty event,” with some cargo observed dangling from the bridge.
Amidst the chaos, concerns about environmental impact surfaced as diesel fuel from the ship dispersed into the river. Additionally, the FBI was on scene to assess any potential terrorism connection, although it was emphasized that it was too early to determine the cause of the incident.
The cargo ship involved, identified as the 948-foot Singapore-flagged vessel Dali, was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, at the time of the collision. While the crew members were reportedly unharmed, the ship remains under investigation.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. expressed their condolences and urged support for those affected by the tragedy. Witnesses described the collapse as a thunderous event, shaking nearby homes and evoking comparisons to an earthquake.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” has long been a vital transportation link in the region, serving thousands of commuters daily since its opening in 1977. Its closure has prompted traffic diversions as authorities work to assess the extent of the damage and initiate repairs.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered federal support to local authorities and urged residents to follow detour instructions while rescue operations continue.
Credit: CBS News
