Bridge in Baltimore collapses after being struck by ship, rescue operations underway

A bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday morning after a cargo ship collided with part of its base.

“We are still very much in an active search and rescue posture at this point, and we will continue to be for some time,” said James Wallace, the Baltimore City Fire Department chief.

“We believe at this point we may be looking for — we may be looking for upwards of seven individuals. That’s the latest information we have.”

Authorities say that the initial call for the collapse came in around 1:30 a.m.

Early reports indicate that the ship that collided with the bridge was Singaporean in origin and was being chartered by Maersk.

However, Maersk says that it ship was being sailed by another company called Synergy Group and that none of its personnel were onboard at the time of the incident.

🚨#BREAKING: Morning Daylight reveals the aftermath of the mass casualty event of the Scott Key Bridge collapse

📌#Baltimore | #Maryland

Watch As morning daylight approaches, it reveals the devastating aftermath of an early morning incident after a large cargo ship from… pic.twitter.com/zzXBuUB5m0

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) March 26, 2024

Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency.

The bridge serves as a key transportation route across the Baltimore Harbour and is an essential link of Interstate 695.

All traffic is being detoured.

Everything we know about the Baltimore Bridge collapse 👇

Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge collapsed after a container ship smashed into the structure, plunging cars into the water. It is a major traffic and transportation hub for the East Coast  https://t.co/Uuav9Lyahp pic.twitter.com/F0d5j9bOJP

— Reuters (@Reuters) March 26, 2024