Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after a container ship hit it early Tuesday.
As much as seven folks could have fallen into the water after the crash, in response to Baltimore Metropolis Fireplace Division Chief James W. Wallace. Two folks have been rescued, with one transported to a trauma heart in very critical situation.
The bridge carries Interstate 695 throughout the Patapsco River, southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan space.
The crash by the massive container ship occurred round 1:30 a.m. ET, when contractors have been engaged on the bridge, in response to Paul Wiedefeld, Maryland’s transportation secretary.
Wiedefeld stated the incident is an energetic search and rescue mission and that vessel site visitors into and out of the Port of Baltimore is suspended till additional discover.
“This can be a very giant incident, it entails a really giant footprint,” Wallace stated in a press briefing.
An aerial view of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge after a collision with a cargo ship in Baltimore, Maryland, United States on March 26, 2024.
Lokman Vural Elibol | Anadolu | Getty Photos
The fireplace division chief stated sonar scans had detected the presence of submerged autos, however couldn’t disclose the variety of vehicles concerned.
“The newest data we have now on the crew of the ship is that they nonetheless are on board of the ship,” Wallace stated, including that rescue brokers should first do a harm evaluation of the vessel earlier than with the ability to board. Requested if the ship was struggling any technical impairments, he stated, “We shouldn’t have that data.”
“There may be completely no indication that there was any terrorism, that this was performed on function,” a Baltimore police spokesperson stated throughout the briefing Tuesday. “There may be completely no indication that this was intentional.”
Accomplished in 1977, the bridge took the title of Francis Scott Key, whose poem was the muse of the U.S. nationwide anthem.
Maersk confirms chartering vessel
The vessel that collided with the bridge has been recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The metal body of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sit on prime of a container ship after the bridge collapsed collapsed in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024.Â
Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Photos
“USCG confirms the ship is the 948-ft DALI vessel. USCG has deployed three response boats, and air pollution responders are en route from the Sector Maryland-Nationwide Capital Area,” the U.S. Coast Guard’s Matthew West advised NBC Information.
Transport information signifies that the Singapore-flagged container vessel is beneath the administration of Synergy Marine Group, which stated in a press release that every one 22 crew members on board, together with two pilots, had been accounted for.
“While the precise explanation for the incident is but to be decided, the ‘DALI’ has now mobilised its Certified Particular person Incident response service,” the group stated. “The US Coast Guard and native officers have been notified, and the homeowners and managers are totally cooperating with Federal and State authorities businesses beneath an accepted plan.”
Marine site visitors information suggests the ship was sure for Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Maersk later confirmed chartering the vessel.
“We will verify that the container vessel ‘DALI’, operated by constitution vessel firm Synergy Group, is time chartered by Maersk and is carrying Maersk prospects’ cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel have been onboard the vessel,” the corporate stated.
“We’re intently following the investigations performed by authorities and Synergy, and we’ll do our utmost to maintain our prospects knowledgeable.”
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore stated in a press release it “will present full cooperation to the US Coast Guard in its investigations.”
State of emergency
The workplace of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore stated emergency personnel remained on the scene after the bridge’s collapse.
Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, with Mayor Brandon Scott (R) and Fireplace Division Chief James Wallace (L), speaks at a press convention on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge Baltimore, Maryland, on March 26, 2024.Â
Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Photos
“I’ve declared a State of Emergency right here in Maryland and we’re working with an interagency staff to shortly deploy federal assets from the Biden Administration,” the governor stated.
“We’ll stay in shut contact with federal, state, and native entities which can be finishing up rescue efforts as we proceed to evaluate and reply to this tragedy.”
Correction: This text has been up to date to mirror that the Francis Scott Key Bridge carries Interstate 695 and crosses the Patapsco River.