Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Being Hit By Ship – Rescuers Desperately Searching Waters

Baltimore is grappling with a potential “mass casualty” incident after a ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on early Tuesday.

The collision led to the collapse of the iconic bridge and is believed to have sent as many as 20 individuals plunging into the frigid waters below, according to a fire official speaking to CNN. Footage has since been uploaded to social media showing the moment the impact occurred:

Reports indicate that multiple vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, may have plummeted into the water following the bridge collapse, as stated by Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Initial reports indicate that the ship, traveling outbound from Baltimore, struck a bridge column around 1:30AM ET, prompting a swift emergency response from local agencies.

Footage showed the moment the ship collided with the bridge. Credit: StreamTimeLive

Cartwright described the situation as a “dire emergency,” emphasizing the primary focus on rescuing and recovering those affected by the incident.

The presence of cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge has further complicated rescue efforts, rendering conditions unsafe for emergency responders. All traffic has been diverted, with the Maryland Transportation Authority taking necessary precautions.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, responding to the unfolding crisis, conveyed his immediate involvement, stating he was en route to the scene. “Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway,” Mayor Scott confirmed in a social media update.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in 2018. Credit: Mark Wilson / Getty

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, spanning 1.6 miles over the Patapsco River, serves as a crucial artery within Baltimore’s transportation network, forming a vital link of Interstate-695, also known as the Baltimore Beltway.

The bridge’s historical significance, named after Francis Scott Key, ties back to the War of 1812 when Key famously penned the lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner” following his observation of the bombardment of Fort McHenry.

At the time of the collapse, the temperature in the water was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit, per a buoy which collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Shortly after the collapse, the Baltimore fire department said it was searching for at least seven people believed to be in the water.

The department went on to add that up to 20 people and a number of vehicles had fallen into the Patapsco River, a situation it deemed to be a “mass casualty event”.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge – in Baltimore, Maryland – snapped and collapsed after a 948ft container ship crashed into it in the early hours of Tuesday (March 26). Credit: Rob Carr / Getty

“We are in the midst of managing a mass casualty multi agency incident here. Unfortunately, we understand that there are up to 20 individuals who may be in the Patapsco river as well as multiple vehicles,” Kevin Cartwright of the Baltimore Fire Department told .

 Cartwright also stated that the department is working with the US Coast Guard, adding that a team of divers are in the river to carry out the search and rescue operations.