In a shocking turn of events early Tuesday, a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a section of the bridge to collapse and sending multiple vehicles plummeting into the Patapsco River below. The incident, which occurred long before the morning commute, has resulted in a developing mass casualty event, according to officials.
The cause of the collision remains unclear, with authorities scrambling to assess the situation and rescue any individuals who may be in the water. By mid-morning, two people had been pulled from the river, but the search for more continued.
The impact of the collision was captured on video and shared widely on social media, showing the bridge crumbling like a toy upon impact. The vessel involved in the collision caught fire, adding to the chaos of the scene.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the event as “an unthinkable tragedy,” noting that the collapse of the Key Bridge will have significant repercussions for the East Coast. The Port of Baltimore has been shut down, and traffic disruptions are expected to be severe for months, if not years.
Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the incident, with Fire Chief James Wallace indicating that they may be looking for upwards of seven people. The water temperature, which was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit before dawn, adds to the urgency of the search and rescue operation.
The cargo ship, identified as the Dali, is owned and managed by Synergy Marine Group. The company confirmed that all crew members, including the two pilots on board, were safe and accounted for.
As investigations into the cause of the collision continue, Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency, and federal resources are being deployed to assist with the response efforts. The FBI has stated that there is no credible information to suggest terrorism.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge marks a significant transportation and logistical challenge for the region, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed.
