Baltimore’s Key Bridge Collapses as Cargo Ship Collides with It

A container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to snap and fall into the river below. Several vehicles plunged into the water, and rescuers were searching for survivors. Two people were rescued, with one in serious condition. Authorities suspect there may be up to seven people missing. The cause of the crash is unknown.

The cargo ship crashed into one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to buckle and collapse, sending it tumbling into the water in a matter of seconds. The incident was captured on video and shared on social media. The ship caught fire, emitting thick black smoke. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott described the event as an “unthinkable tragedy” and compared it to something out of an action movie.

Sonar has indicated that there are vehicles in the water, where the temperature was around 47 degrees Fahrenheit. The bridge collapsed during the night, when there were fewer vehicles on it. The Baltimore Fire Department initially described the situation as a “developing mass casualty event.” The bridge spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor leading to the Port of Baltimore, a major shipping hub on the East Coast.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and sought federal assistance following the bridge collapse. The FBI was also involved in the investigation. The vessel involved, the Dali, is owned and managed by Synergy Marine Group. The ship hit a pillar of the bridge while en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. All crew members, including the pilots, were safe and accounted for.

In 2001, Baltimore experienced a similar incident when a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel and caught fire. The incident caused black smoke to spread through surrounding neighborhoods, leading officials to close major roads into the city temporarily. The current incident with the bridge collapse has raised concerns about infrastructure safety and the impact on shipping in the region.