A container ship lost power and rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, early Tuesday, causing it to snap and plunge into the river below.
The vessel appears to have hit one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing the roadway to break apart in several places and plunge into the waterearly Tuesday, causing it to snap and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers were searching survivors.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said at least eight people were on the Key Bridge at the time of its collapse. Two people were pulled from the waters under the bridge, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. Wiedefeld said the search is continuing for the other six who were working on the bridge repairing masonry and potholes at the time.
Earlier, Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River, a vital artery that sees more than 30,000 cars a day. Along with the Port of Baltimore, it is a hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Moore said he recognized"many of us are hurting right now" and said authorities are working to gather details on what happened. He also thanked first responders for arriving quickly on the scene.that their family members were working on the bridge at the time of the collapse. One woman, who was not identified, said her father-in-law. Miguel Luna, was among the workers. She and others were awaiting official information on the status of their loved ones.
Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship called the “Dali” — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while two pilots were in control. It said all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.
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