A livestream of the bridge depicted a cargo ship hitting a support beam, resulting in the bridge breaking and collapsing into the Patapsco River. Numerous vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the incident.
Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse: Vehicles fall into water after being hit by ship
Emergency crews initiated a search for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water, as stated by Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, to The Associated Press around 3 a.m. Officials have categorized this event as a mass casualty incident, though no specific number of casualties has been confirmed.
“Our priority right now is the rescue and recovery of these individuals,” Cartwright emphasized, describing the collapse as an evolving mass casualty situation.
Reports suggest that a cargo ship bearing the flag of Singapore collided with the heavily-traveled bridge. Following the collision, the large vessel caught fire before sinking.
The Maryland Transportation Authority announced via social media that all lanes in both directions are closed, with traffic being rerouted. Subsequently, motorists were advised to avoid the I-695 southeast corridor and opt for alternate routes such as I-95 or I-895.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. affirmed that emergency personnel were dispatched and rescue operations were in progress.
According to Cartwright, emergency services received 911 calls around 1:30 a.m. reporting that a vessel en route from Baltimore had struck the bridge, leading to its collapse.
“This is an urgent situation,” Cartwright emphasized.
He noted the presence of “cargo or retainers hanging from the bridge,” posing potential hazards and rendering conditions potentially unsafe and unstable. Emergency responders are proceeding cautiously as a result.
The iconic Key Bridge, named after Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” opened in 1977.
