In a bizarre incident, a major bridge in Baltimore situated in United States (US) collapsed on Tuesday following a ship collision, resulting in crashing into water below and seemingly bringing vehicles with it. A video of the incident is doing rounds on social media depicts a container ship hitting the footing of the Francis Scott Key bridge, sending it plunging into the Palapsco river.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland which crosses the Patapsco River has reportedly Collapsed within the last few minutes after being Struck by a Large Container Ship; a Mass Casualty Incident has been Declared with over a Dozen Cars and many Individuals said to… pic.twitter.com/SsPMU8Mjph
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The road surface reveals glimpses of vehicle lights amidst the distortion and collapse of the bridge, with segments crashing down and the third section jutting upwards before plunging into the water. Kevin Cartwright from the Baltimore Fire Department informed the Baltimore Sun, stating, “We have indications that vehicles, including a possible tractor-trailer, entered the water,” elaborating that the entire bridge had collapsed.
Concerns arise that up to 20 individuals may be in the river following the bridge’s collapse.
Kevin Cartwright, representing the Baltimore Fire Department, informed CNN, stating, “We believe that up to 20 people may currently be in the Patapsco River, along with numerous vehicles,” explaining that authorities were handling a “multi-agency incident” involving multiple casualties.
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The 1.6-mile (2.6-kilometer) bridge, comprising four lanes, stretches over the Patapsco River southwest of Baltimore city. Since its opening in 1977, it has accommodated over 11 million vehicles annually, serving as a crucial component of Baltimore’s transportation infrastructure, situated adjacent to Washington DC.
The Maryland Transportation Authority advised drivers to steer clear of the bridge, part of the I-695 interstate highway, labeling it an “active scene.”
MarineTraffic, a ship monitoring platform, displayed the Dali, a container ship flagged from Singapore, halted beneath the bridge early Tuesday.
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Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scoot and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr acknowledged the incident and confirmed ongoing rescue operations.