Early Tuesday in Baltimore, as a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its collapse and subsequent plunge into the Patapsco River. Numerous vehicles were thrown into the water, prompting a rescue operation to locate any survivors.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace reported that two individuals were rescued from the river, with one in serious condition. Authorities are actively searching for potentially more victims, estimating a figure of up to seven individuals, though this number remains subject to change. It remains uncertain whether the two rescued individuals are part of this count.
The cause of the cargo ship’s collision with the bridge remains unclear, occurring well before the usual morning commute. This event has been described as a “developing mass casualty event” by officials, underscoring its severity in a major American city near Washington.
The impact of the ship against one of the bridge’s supports led to structural damage, causing sections of the bridge to collapse rapidly into the water. The dramatic sequence of events was captured on video and circulated on social media platforms. Additionally, the vessel caught fire, emitting thick plumes of black smoke.
In response to the incident, Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency. Chief Wallace emphasized that the rescue operation remains ongoing, with sonar technology aiding in the detection of submerged vehicles. There is no indication at this time that the collision was intentional.
Mayor Brandon Scott expressed shock at the tragedy, likening it to a scene from an action movie. According to tracking data, the ship involved was built in 2015 and had departed from Norfolk, Virginia, before arriving in Baltimore. However, the cause of the incident is yet to be determined, as indicated by a statement from the ship’s owners and managers. All crew members, including two pilots and 22 Indian sailors, have been located without reports of injuries.
