Authorities have reported that six individuals remain missing following a cargo ship’s collision with and subsequent collapse of the bustling Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Widefield confirmed during a press briefing that eight individuals were present on the bridge at the time of its collapse.
Chief James Wallace of the Baltimore City Fire Department had earlier stated on Tuesday that two individuals were rescued, with one of them in serious condition.
Widefield further disclosed that all six of the missing individuals were part of a construction crew that was working on the bridge when it collapsed.
Video footage of the incident, circulated online by the Harford County Volunteer Fire and EMS, captured the moment the sizable vessel collided with the 1.6-mile-long, four-lane-wide Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in a subsequent fire and sections of the structure plunging into the water below.
The Coast Guard acknowledged receiving a report of the incident shortly before 1:30 a.m.
“#USCG responding to Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore,” announced the U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic division on X. “Multiple response units deployed.”
The Maryland Transportation Authority verified the collision on X, urging the public to steer clear of the I-695 southeast corridor.
“I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike,” the authority communicated. “Active scene.”
During a news conference on Tuesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore indicated that a preliminary investigation suggested the crash was “an accident.”
“We haven’t seen any credible evidence of a terrorist attack,” Governor Moore stated.
He noted that the ship’s crew had issued a “mayday” before colliding with the bridge, confirming the loss of power, which consequently prevented traffic from accessing the bridge.
“We’re thankful that between the mayday and collapse that we had officials who were able to begin to stop the flow of traffic so more cars were not up on the bridge,” Governor Moore expressed.
Widefield clarified that the crew engaged in bridge maintenance at the time of the collapse was addressing potholes.
“That had nothing to do with a structural issue,” Widefield emphasized.
Governor Moore also asserted that the ship was “fully up to code.”
In response to the situation, Governor Moore declared a state of emergency, and officials have restricted traffic to the Port of Baltimore, one of the world’s busiest ports.
“My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Baltimore Fire Department as emergency personnel are on the scene,” Governor Moore conveyed in a statement.
Secretary Buttigieg announced that the Transportation Department had extended assistance and advised local motorists to adhere to guidance on detours and traffic adjustments.
Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore stated he was aware of the incident and en route to the scene.
According to the MarineTraffic website, the involved vessel has been identified as the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Dali. It was reportedly en route to Colombo, Sri Lanka when the collision occurred.
Danish shipping company Maersk confirmed on Tuesday that it had chartered the ship carrying its cargo, operated by vessel company Synergy Group.
“No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel. We are closely following the investigations conducted by authorities and Synergy, and we will do our utmost to keep our customers informed,” Maersk assured.
“We are horrified by what has happened in Baltimore, and our thoughts are with all of those affected.”
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, inaugurated in March 1977, is named after Francis Scott Key, who is credited with penning the lyrics to the “Star Spangled Banner” after being inspired by the Patapsco River, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
