Baltimore Bridge Collapse Leaves Vehicles in River, Search for Survivors Underway
A tragic accident occurred early this morning when a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing a section of the bridge to collapse and several vehicles to plummet into the water below. Rescue efforts are currently underway to search for survivors, with two people already rescued from the frigid waters.
Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace has reported that authorities may be searching for as many as seven individuals, although that number is subject to change as the situation unfolds. The ship crashed into one of the bridge’s supports, causing it to snap and buckle before cascading into the river.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has called the incident an “unthinkable tragedy” and likened it to something out of a Hollywood action movie. Sonar technology has confirmed the presence of vehicles in the water, where the temperature hovers around 47 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster and is working to deploy federal resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts. The FBI has also been called in to investigate the cause of the collision.
The vessel involved, the Dali, is owned by the Synergy Marine Group and was en route from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship struck a pillar of the bridge around 1:30 a.m. while under the guidance of two pilots, but all crew members have been safely evacuated.
Authorities are describing the bridge collapse as a “developing mass casualty event,” and are still assessing the full extent of the damage and potential loss of life. Stay tuned to the McCreary County Record for updates on this developing story.
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