Several individuals and vehicles are reportedly submerged in the Patapsco River in Baltimore, Maryland, following a collision involving a container ship and a bridge.
Emergency services were alerted around 1:30 a.m. local time in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge area, as confirmed by the Baltimore City Fire Department.
Chief Kevin Cartright, Director of Communications, stated that the bridge had been impacted by ‘a large vessel,’ resulting in its collapse into the river.
Footage depicting the moment the vessel collided with the bridge has already started circulating on social media platforms.
The fire department is currently spearheading a multi-agency rescue operation in collaboration with the US Coast Guard and various Maryland agencies.
Initially, it was believed that several people and vehicles had plunged into the water. However, authorities have now stated that there is a potential for up to 20 workers to be in the river after the incident.
While the exact number of casualties is still pending confirmation, the fire department has characterized the situation as a ‘mass casualty event’.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott has confirmed his awareness of the incident and is en route to the scene.
According to BBC News, Mayor Brandon M. Scott stated, “I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge… Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.”
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, commonly referred to as the Key Bridge, forms part of the I-95 interstate, stretching from Miami, Florida, to Maine. Currently, all traffic is being rerouted through the city or the harbor tunnel.
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Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. took to social media to confirm that rescue efforts are underway, while also urging his followers to ‘pray for those impacted’.
He wrote: “I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations.”
“Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted.”
According to ship tracking data, the vessel involved in the collision with the bridge was identified as the Singapore-flagged Dali container ship. The ship measures 300 meters in length and was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The Dali reportedly left the terminal at Port Breeze at approximately 12:45 am local time before proceeding towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Around 45 minutes later, it came to a halt near the bridge.
Police helicopters have been observed circling the vicinity of the incident since then, as indicated by air traffic radars.
