Maryland: Francis Scott Key Bridge, a major bridge at Baltimore in US’s Maryland, collapsed early on Tuesday after a Singapore-flagged cargo ship collided with one of the bridge’s central supports, throwing off several vehicles and at least seven people into Patapsco River.
According to the Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace, two people have been rescued from the river so far and condition of one among them in serious.
The Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali, a 948ft (290-metre), had left Baltimore at 1 am and was en route to Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, maritime data platform MarineTraffic told the media.
“The coastguard received a report of an impact at 1.27 am ET,” petty officer first class for the coastguard in Baltimore Matthew West, told the New York Times.
According to a video posted by Sky News on social media platform X, the vessel was seen striking one of the bridge’s central supports leading to much of the bridge giving way and several vehicles falling into the river. The ship then caught fire sending off plumes of thick, black smoke into the air.
“This is a dire emergency. Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people. It is too early to know how many people were affected. Some cargo or retainers are dangling from the bridge, creating unsafe and unstable conditions for rescue operation,” Director of Communications for Baltimore Fire Department Kevin Cartwright told the media.
Synergy Marine Group, the manager of the ship, informed media that two pilots had been accounted for and there were no reports of any injuries.
“Emergency personnel are at the scene and rescue efforts are under way,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon M Scott and County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr was quoted as saying.
It may be mentioned here that the Francis Scott Key Bridge was built in 1977 and was named after Francis Scott Key, the author of America’s national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
