The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, suffered a catastrophic collapse early Tuesday morning after being struck by the Singapore-flagged container ship, the Dali.
The Maryland Transportation Authority confirmed the incident and subsequently closed all lanes of I-695, advising motorists to steer clear of the area. The collision caused several vehicles, including one the size of a tractor-trailer, to fall into the Patapsco River.
In Baltimore, Maryland, a tragic event occurred when the Francis Scott Key Bridge, an essential part of the city’s infrastructure, was hit by a container ship early Tuesday morning, leading to a mass casualty event. Shocking footage showed the bridge’s steel arches breaking apart and falling into the Patapsco River around 1:30 am.
The Baltimore City Fire Department reported that “at least seven people” were thrown into the river during the collision on the 1.6-mile-long bridge, though the precise number of vehicles involved remains uncertain.
Kevin Cartwright, the fire department’s director of communications, stated, “The dive and rescue team has arrived on the scene to locate the individuals.” The calamitous event was captured in real-time and shared on a YouTube livestream, depicting the Francis Scott Key bridge collapsing into the water below, according to a report by the New York Post. The US Coast Guard and the Maryland Transportation Authority responded immediately, though initial details from the authorities were limited.
The collision not only compromised the Francis Scott Key bridge’s integrity but also caused several vehicles to plunge into the water. Baltimore City Police, notified of the incident at 1:35 am, reported potential persons in the river, prompting swift rescue efforts. Kevin Cartwright described the scene as a “developing mass casualty event,” with efforts focused on rescuing at least seven individuals in the water following the bridge’s partial collapse.
Traffic was diverted following the incident, with the MTA shutting down interstate lanes in both directions, causing significant disruptions and detours. The authority initially described the situation as an “incident” before confirming the full extent of the collapse. Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. have confirmed that emergency response efforts are currently underway.
Cartwright noted the precarious situation at the collapse site, mentioning “some cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge,” adding to the already dangerous conditions. Emergency responders proceeded with caution to navigate the wreckage and aid potential survivors. As dawn broke, the full extent of the damage remained uncertain, with early reports from media outlets suggesting significant structural loss.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a crucial artery opened in 1977, faces an uncertain future as investigations into the cause of the collision and collapse continue. Dramatic footage circulated on social media and news outlets, showing large sections of the bridge submerged, although official confirmation and details are pending.
