Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses after being struck by cargo ship; search and rescue underway
Early Tuesday in Baltimore, a catastrophic event unfolded as the prominent Francis Scott Key Bridge was severed following a container ship striking one of its supports. Multiple vehicles succumbed to the breach, ending up in the river below. Search and rescue operations are underway for at least seven individuals believed to be caught in the incident.
Footage shared on X—previously known as Twitter—captured the immediate aftermath of the collapse with the searing image of the ship engulfed in flames and subsequently sinking. This key structure, operational since 1977, is a crucial conduit over the Patapsco River, which serves as a critical channel for maritime commerce on the East Coast. It is also famously associated with the national anthem’s author.
“This is a dire emergency,” communicated Kevin Cartwright, the Baltimore Fire Department’s communications director. “Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people,” he emphasized to The Associated Press.
Further complications were reported as cargo was seen precariously hanging from the fractured bridge. Officials, including first responders, are in an escalated search for the seven reported individuals to be in the waters, Cartwright shared, describing the event as a “developing mass casualty event.”
The Francis Scott Key Bridge spans the Patapsco River, a key waterway that serves with the Port of Baltimore as a hub for East Coast shipping. CBS News Baltimore reports that the 1.6-mile span was used by some 31,000 people a day and was four lanes wide.
The emergency services received the initial distress calls at approximately 1:30 a.m., indicating that a ship was involved with a bridge collision as it departed Baltimore. The impact affected several vehicles on the bridge, including a prominent tractor-trailer truck.
Maryland officials including Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. have conveyed messages surrounding the active response and ongoing rescue missions.
Two people were pulled from the water overnight, officials said — one unhurt and one with serious injuries.
Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said at a mid-morning news conference that rescue teams were still looking for six people unaccounted for after the bridge collapse. He said all six were part of a construction crew that was filling potholes on the bridge at the time. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency, with city, state and federal teams converging at the scene.
The Maryland Transportation Authority has issued updates on traffic flow disruptions stating, “All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” notifying through their X handle.
Conclusion
The unexpected and frightening collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has triggered a full-scale emergency response. As the community grapples with the chaos of the situation, the priority remains on the search and rescue of those impacted. The investigation into the event itself and the structural integrity of the bridge will likely be a focal point in the aftermath. The incident reminds us of the crucial role infrastructure plays in everyday life and the dire consequences when it fails. Our thoughts go out to all those affected and to the rescue workers on the scene.
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