The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland US has broken and collapsed after a container ship collided with it in the early hours of Tuesday.
A video shared on social media captures the moment when the Francis Scott Key bridge, an important part of the US’ Interstate 695, snapped and fell at around 1:30 am on Tuesday. This incident occurred as a Singapore-flagged cargo ship, measuring 290 meters, caught fire and crashed into the 2.6km-long bridge across the Patapsco River.
According to The Guardian, several vehicles that were on the bridge at the time were thrown into the water, while smoke rose from the scene.
MarineTraffic reports that the ship involved in the collision had left Baltimore just before 1 am and was heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka when the accident occurred.
The Baltimore Fire Department is currently searching for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water after the incident.
In a social media statement released by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA), it was confirmed that the collision was caused by a ship strike.
“I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike,” the MTA stated, advising drivers to avoid the route over the Patapsco River, which is now considered an “active scene.”
According to The Guardian, Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, mentioned:
“Our main focus right now is rescuing and recovering these people,” Cartwright added, describing the collapse as a “developing mass casualty event.”
Cartwright also explained that the rescue operation was challenging due to the presence of “cargo or containers” dangling from the bridge, creating a hazardous and unstable environment that hindered rescue efforts.
The Synergy Marine Group confirmed that all crew members and pilots aboard the ship are safe, with no reported injuries on the Dali.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. have confirmed the presence of emergency personnel on the scene and rescue efforts underway for drivers who were on the bridge when it collapsed.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of the American national anthem, was constructed in 1977.
