A big container ship impacted a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore this morning, causing it to collapse. Deaths were anticipated.
BALTIMORE − The Francis Scott Key Bridge − collapsed early Tuesday after it was struck by a large cargo ship, prompting a massive emergency response for at least seven people in the water.
The Baltimore City Fire Department described the collapse as a mass-casualty incident. “We received several 911 calls at around 1:30 a.m., that a vessel struck the Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing the collapse,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told Reuters. “This is currently a mass casualty incident and we are searching for seven people who are in the river.”
Two persons were pulled out of the water, according to Baltimore City Fire Department Chief James Wallace during a press conference. He added that seven more are thought to be in the water, adding that one was unhurt and the other is in serious condition, but that the number is “subject to change.”
According to the Associated Press, the ship caught fire and multiple vehicles fell into the river below. “The situation is dire,” Cartwright informed the AP. “At this time, our main priority is attempting to recover and save these people.”
On X, Baltimore Mayor Brendon Scott stated that he was on his way to the bridge and that he was aware of the event. “Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” he stated.
The governor of the state of Maryland, Wes Moore, has issued an order for an emergency and is coordinating with an interagency team to expeditiously allocate federal resources from the Biden Administration.
