Bridge collapse in US leads to several casualties. In a devastating turn of events, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed after a collision with a large container ship, resulting in a significant number of casualties.
Dramatic footage captured by CCTV cameras depicts the harrowing moment when the container ship struck the bridge’s footing, causing it to crumble into the Patapsco River below, potentially trapping vehicles and individuals in the water.
Bridge collapse in US
Emergency Response Efforts Underway
Emergency services, including the Baltimore Fire Department and Police Department, have swiftly responded to the scene of the collapse.
Baltimore Police confirmed being alerted to the partial collapse of the bridge and the possibility of workers being caught in the water.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery in Baltimore’s transportation network, carries millions of vehicles annually and forms a crucial part of the I-695 interstate highway.
“We have reason to believe that there were vehicles and possibly a tractor-trailer that went into the water,” Kevin Cartwright of Baltimore Fire Department told the Baltimore Sun, adding “the entire bridge” had collapsed.
“I can confirm at 1:35 am, Baltimore City police were notified of a partial bridge collapse, with workers possibly in the water, at the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Detective Niki Fennoy said.
Urgent Calls to Avoid the Area
Authorities have issued urgent warnings for drivers to steer clear of the area surrounding the collapsed bridge, citing it as an active emergency site.
At the time of the incident, a Singapore-flagged container ship named the Dali was reportedly stationary beneath the bridge, according to tracking data from MarineTraffic.
Leadership Response and Rescue Operations
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the public that rescue efforts are already underway.
Olszewski took to social media, urging prayers for those impacted by the collapse, while Mayor Scott indicated that he is en route to the scene to oversee the emergency response operations.
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
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 26, 2024
