Source: JIM WATSON / Getty
BALTIMORE, MD. — Rescue operations continue after the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a ship and collapsed.
A massive search is underway for people who were on the bridge when it collapsed into the Patapsco River. Two survivors have been pulled from the river so far.
The accident happened about 1:30 this morning when a container ship collided with a support column on the bridge. The Mid-Atlantic Coast Guard says the 948-foot cargo ship called the Dali was en route from Baltimore to Sri Lanka.
It’s not clear how many vehicles were on the bridge at the time but city fire crews say a tractor-trailer was one of them. Maryland transportation officials say all lanes leading to and from the bridge are closed.
Governor Wes Moore said his office is in close contact with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and a host of local officials and agencies.
The ship’s crew notified authorities about a power issue before the collision. Multiple agencies are assisting in a search that is using aircraft, boats, divers, and sonar technology. None of the 22 crew members aboard the cargo ship were injured.
The White House says President Biden has been briefed on the Baltimore bridge collapse.
A White House official said the president will continue to receive updates throughout the day. In a post on X, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said his department is closely monitoring the situation. He added there are no indication the incident was an intentional act.
