The Francis Scott Key Bridge partially collapsed in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a ship collision, local authorities confirmed. The incident occurred at 1:35 a.m. local time, and there were reports that workers may have fallen into the water. The Maryland Transportation Authority informed the public on social media that the collapse was a result of a ship strike, causing an active scene at the bridge. Additionally, the Baltimore Fire Department Battalion Chief mentioned that a large container ship struck the bridge overnight, with personnel possibly present on the bridge during the collision.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge, which carries Route 695 across the Patapsco River southeast of the Baltimore metropolitan area, sustained damage from the ship collision. The vessel involved in the incident also appeared to have suffered damage, according to the fire department. Authorities and emergency personnel were on the scene, with efforts underway to assess the situation and respond to any potential injuries or casualties. The U.S. Coast Guard had not yet issued a statement regarding the collision at the time of the report.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott acknowledged the incident on social media, stating that he was en route to the scene and had been in contact with local officials and emergency response teams. Mayor Scott reassured the public that efforts were underway to address the situation and provide assistance to those affected by the bridge collapse. The incident caused a disruption to traffic in the area and raised concerns about the safety and structural integrity of the Key Bridge following the collision.
As a breaking news story, updates and further details were expected to emerge regarding the Key Bridge collapse. It was essential for authorities and emergency responders to work swiftly and effectively to secure the area, assess the extent of damage, and provide support to any individuals who may have been impacted by the incident. The incident highlighted the potential risks and challenges associated with maritime transportation and the importance of ensuring the safety and security of infrastructure such as bridges and waterways. Collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal agencies would be crucial in addressing the aftermath of the incident and implementing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
