Part of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after column hit by large ship; cars, perhaps people in water

A part of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed early Tuesday after a column was hit by a big container ship, sending vehicles and presumably folks into the Patapsco River, authorities stated.

The Baltimore Metropolis Fireplace Division informed CBS Information that at about 1:30 a.m., 911 calls began coming in saying a vessel had hit a bridge column. It was unclear what number of automobiles have been on the span however “there was certainly a big tractor-trailer” on it. 

“There are at the very least seven folks” within the river and “the dive and rescue crew has arrived on scene to find the people.”

The division described the collapse as “a mass casualty occasion.”

A spokesperson informed The Related Press it was a “dire emergency.” Kevin Cartwright, the division’s director of communications, stated some cargo was apparently dangling from the bridge.

The division stated on its scanner that there was a lot of diesel gas within the water across the ship and that there have been development staff on the bridge pouring concrete on the time.

A Baltimore police spokesperson informed CBS Information there was a “partial bridge collapse, with staff presumably within the water.”

The MidAtlantic Coast Guard informed CBS Information the 948-foot Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali had struck the bridge. It was apparently en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The AP reported that the ship caught fireplace and sank.

Reuters experiences that the ships proprietor, Synergy Marine Group, stated the reason for the collision wasn’t recognized however all crew members have been accounted for and there have been no experiences of any accidents to any of them. 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott stated on social media that. “I am conscious of and en path to the incident on the Key Bridge. … Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.”

Baltimore County Government Johnny Olszewski Jr. stated on social media that, “Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for these impacted.” 

The Maryland Transportation Authority stated all lanes have been closed in each instructions for an incident on I-695 Key Bridge and later posted that visitors was being detoured to I-95 and I-895.

The Patapsco River, which the bridge crossed, is a key waterway that serves with the Port of Baltimore as a hub for East Coast transport.

The bridge is called after the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” It was opened in 1977.

Extra from CBS Information