A bridge in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, with a length of about 2.57 kilometers, collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after a cargo ship collided with it, according to news reports. BBC News.
Baltimore police were notified of a partial bridge collapse around 1:30 a.m. There were no reports of casualties, but authorities are searching for at least 18 people. The teams have already managed to recover two people from the water, one of whom is in a very serious condition. Baltimore authorities believe at least seven cars fell into the water.
A rescue operation led by firefighters in cooperation with the US Coast Guard is currently underway. A diving and rescue team was also sent to locate the people. They add that there is ample room for research.
The bridge collided with a “large ship,” causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River, said Kevin Cartwright, communications director for the Baltimore Fire Department.
“All lanes are closed in both directions due to an accident on the Francis Scott Key I-695 Bridge. Traffic is being diverted,” the Maryland Transportation Authority said.
according to BBCIt will be a Singapore-flagged container ship and will be on its way to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
According to the same source, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott says he is aware of the incident that occurred on the Francis Scott Key Bridge and is in contact with local authorities.
“I am aware of the accident that occurred on the bridge and I am on my way to it. Emergency personnel are at the scene and efforts are continuing.”
Synergy Marine Group has already reported that its container ship Daly collided with the pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Rere has now mobilized a qualified individual incident response service.
“Infuriatingly humble analyst. Bacon maven. Proud food specialist. Certified reader. Avid writer. Zombie advocate. Incurable problem solver.”