- The Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, has partially collapsed.
- At least seven people and several vehicles fell into the river.
- A cargo ship previously rammed the bridge.
This was announced by the authorities in the state of Maryland. The first emergency calls were received around 1:30 a.m., reported the New York Times and CBS News, citing the Coast Guard and the fire department.
According to information from CBS, at least seven people fell into the water. Rescue work is underway and a diving team is on site.
Videos on social media show how a large part of the bridge collapses into the water. It is currently unclear how many vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse. There are currently no reports of deaths or injuries.
Freighter caught fire
The freighter is said to have rammed one of the bridge’s supports, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and fall into the water, as a video published on X shows. The ship caught fire and thick, black smoke poured out of it.
The main focus of the rescue workers was to rescue and rescue the people who had fallen into the river, according to the Baltimore Fire Department. This is looking for at least seven people who are probably in the water.
Serving since 1977
The Francis Scott Key Bridge leads over the harbor of the metropolis in the northeast of the USA. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, it is more than 2.5 kilometers long and has four lanes. It spanned the Patapsco River and was a major artery that, along with the Port of Baltimore, is a hub for shipping on the East Coast. It was opened in 1977.
Legend:
Assessing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
Reuters/Harford County MD Fire & EMS
The freighter that hit the bridge is named “Dali” and was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to Marine Traffic and Vessel.