The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, USA, has collapsed following a collision with a cargo ship, causing several vehicles to plunge into the Patapsco River.
Emergency responders are conducting rescue operations, with approximately 20 individuals believed to be in the water, as reported by the Baltimore fire department.
City officials revealed that the incident occurred around 01:30 local time (05:30 GMT) when a ship struck a column on the 47-year-old bridge, leading to its collapse.
Multiple vehicles, including one as large as a tractor-trailer, fell into the river as a result.
The container ship involved, identified as the Singapore-flagged Dali based on ship tracking data, was en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
It departed from Port Breeze terminal around 00:45, according to marine radars.
Rescue efforts are underway involving the Baltimore fire department, the US Coastguard, and agencies from Maryland.
Kevin Cartwright, head of communications for the Baltimore fire department, described the situation as a “dire emergency” and emphasized the focus on rescuing and recovering individuals in the water.
Cartwright mentioned the presence of cargo or containers hanging from the bridge, making conditions unsafe and unstable.
Emergency teams are proceeding cautiously due to a power outage caused by the incident.
Synergy Marine Group, the shipping company, confirmed that all crew members, including two pilots onboard, were safe with no reported injuries.
The cause of the incident is yet to be determined.
Source-BBC
