BALTIMORE, MD. – The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, has long been an iconic landmark connecting the city and serving as a vital transportation route. But tragedy struck when a large container ship hit the bridge, causing it to collapse Tuesday.
This catastrophic event sent vehicles and people plunging into the Patapsco River, leading to a frantic search and rescue mission.
Reports started flooding in about a vessel striking a column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge around 1 a.m. Tuesday.
The impact was so severe that it caused the bridge to crumble, sending shockwaves throughout the city.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said on social media that, “I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. … Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.” He told reporters at the morning briefing the collapse was “an unthinkable tragedy.”
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said on social media that “Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted.”
While the exact number of vehicles on the bridge remains unknown, it was confirmed that a large tractor-trailer was present at the time of the incident.
The Baltimore City Fire Department immediately declared the bridge collapse a mass casualty event. The magnitude of the situation prompted an urgent response, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate and save individuals who had fallen into the water.
According to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace, two people were rescued from the waters beneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge, one of them is seriously injured.
He stated that officials “may be looking for up to seven people” but that this number might vary. It wasn’t known whether the two rescued were among the seven.
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace described the scene as “an active search and rescue,” highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The Patapsco River served as a vital waterway, facilitating shipping activities and connecting the Port of Baltimore to the East Coast. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile span used by approximately 31,000 people daily, played a crucial role in maintaining the flow of goods and transportation.
This is a developing story.
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