US: Ship collision causes Baltimore bridge to collapse, seven people in water
PTC News Desk: In Baltimore, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River after being struck by a container ship, as reported by local media on Tuesday.
Numerous videos circulating on social media captured the moment when the cargo vessel collided with one of the bridge's support pillars, leading to its collapse into the river below. Several cars were on the bridge during the incident, though there are no immediate reports of casualties.
The collision occurred around 1:30 a.m., resulting in a fire aboard the large vessel before it sank. The impact caused multiple vehicles to plunge into the water, as seen in a video shared on social media platforms. Following the incident, all lanes on the I-695 Key Bridge were closed, with traffic redirected, according to updates from the Maryland Transportation Authority on social media.
All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured. #MDTraffic — MDTA (@TheMDTA) March 26, 2024
????#BREAKING: Mass Casualty has been Declared after a Large Container Ship Collides with Key Bridge Causing it completely Collapse⁰
????#Baltimore | #Maryland
Currently, numerous agencies, including the Coast Guard and fire department have just declared a mass casualty incident as… pic.twitter.com/wvOTOVbvHE — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) March 26, 2024
Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. confirmed that emergency personnel were on the scene and conducting rescue operations. Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, informed the Associated Press around 3 a.m. that emergency responders were searching for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water.
I am aware of the situation at the Key Bridge and remain in regular communication with my Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Operations.
I’m also in contact w/ the Mayor of Baltimore and the Anne Arundel Co. Exec.
Rescue efforts are underway. Please pray for those impacted. — Johnny Olszewski, Jr. (@JohnnyOJr) March 26, 2024
Reports indicated that 911 calls were received around 1:30 a.m., reporting a vessel travelling outbound from Baltimore had collided with a column on the bridge, resulting in its collapse. Multiple vehicles, including one the size of a tractor-trailer, were present on the bridge at the time of the incident.
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"Our primary focus at the moment is on the rescue and recovery efforts," Cartwright emphasised. He stated that it's too early to determine the exact number of individuals impacted but described the collapse as an evolving mass casualty incident.
Cartwright noted the presence of "cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge," posing hazardous and precarious conditions. Emergency responders are exercising caution in their operations due to these circumstances.
"This is an urgent situation," he stressed.
Please note: This story is developing. Further details will be provided as they become available.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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