Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Being Hit By Cargo Ship | WATCH
The Francis Scott Key Bridge connects the northern and southern regions of the Baltimore metropolitan area in Maryland, USA.
A portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, United States, collapsed on Tuesday after being hit by a large ship. The Baltimore Fire Department stated that the incident occurred at 01:30 ET (05:30 GMT).
A video widely circulated on X shows the exact moment when the large vessel collided with the bridge.
"All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured," the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.
According to the BBC, at least seven people and several vehicles have fallen into the river. A spokesperson for the spokesperson for the Baltimore City Fire Department told the news portal that the Baltimore Bridge collapse is a "mass casualty event.".
Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore fire department, said agencies had received 911 calls about 1.30 am, reporting a vessel travelling outbound from Baltimore that had struck a column on the bridge, causing it to collapse. Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer, the Guardian reported.
Currently, the US Coast Guard and other Maryland state agencies have joined the rescue and recovery operation. More details are awaited.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge connects the northern and southern regions of the Baltimore metropolitan area in Maryland, USA. It spans the Patapsco River, linking the communities of Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
