A bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, US, about 2.57 kilometers long, collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a cargo ship, according to media reports. BBC News.
Baltimore police were notified of the partial bridge collapse around 1:30 a.m. There are no reports of casualties, but authorities are looking for at least 20 people and several vehicles that may have fallen into the river.
A rescue operation led by firefighters in cooperation with the US Coast Guard is currently ongoing. A diving and rescue team was also sent to search for people.
Chief Kevin Cartwright, director of public affairs for the Baltimore Fire Department, says the bridge was damaged by a “large vessel” causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River.
“All lanes are closed in both directions due to an incident on the I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge. Traffic is being diverted, the Maryland Transportation Authority said.
In accordance with BBCwill be a Singapore flagged container ship bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
According to the same source, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said he is aware of the incident on the Francis Scott Key Bridge and is in contact with local authorities.
“I am aware of the incident on the bridge and am heading towards it. Emergency personnel are on scene and efforts continue.”
Synergy Marine Group has already reported that its container ship Dali collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Rere, which has “now mobilized its skilled personal incident response service.”