Editor’s Note: According to recent updates, six people remain missing following the collapse of the bridge. It has been reported that eight individuals fell into the water, all of whom are believed to be construction workers. Two individuals have been rescued from the water, while one person is said to be severely injured.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has collapsed after being hit by a large containership, causing rescuers to hunt for at least seven people in the water.
The Guardian reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of 26 March at roughly 1:30 am ET local time, with the vessel colliding into the bridge and igniting before sinking into the water.
Reuters noted that Baltimore police were notified of the incident at 1:35 am ET local time.
The Baltimore Fire Department’s Director of Communications, Kevin Cartwright, stated that there looked to be “some cargo or retainers” dangling from the bridge, creating hazardous and unstable conditions that complicated the rescue mission. “This is a dire emergency,” he remarked.
According to LSEG data, the ship is registered to Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, with some sources claiming that it is operated by the Danish giant A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk).
Reuters stated it is yet unclear whether the event has had an impact on port operations.
I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024
Baltimore Mayor, Brandon M Scott, acknowledging the collision on X
According to the Maryland State Archives, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 52.3 million tonnes of foreign cargo in 2023, worth $80.8 billion.
That same year, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 1.3 million tonnes of imported RoRo cargo.
Video footage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsing, The Guardian
In February, a portion of a bridge in the southern Chinese industrial centre of Guangzhou fell after a barge crashed into it, killing five people.
More recently, the Helen Delich Bently Port of Baltimore received a top U.S. Coast Guard security assessment for the 15th consecutive year.
