Major bridge in Baltimore, US collapses after being struck by cargo ship

Warning: This story contains a video that may shock some viewers

The 3km-long Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland has collapsed into the water after a cargo ship collided with it.

Cars and a large tractor-trailer were on the bridge before it collapsed and a Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson has confirmed that the collapse is a “mass casualty event”.

Videos posted online showed the bridge crumpling and falling into the water at about 1.30am local time.

#BREAKING Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapses after being hit by a ship; mass casualty event reportedly declared | #6NewsAU pic.twitter.com/5UGNXEs98r

— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) March 26, 2024

The Baltimore City Fire Department which is at the scene said up to 20 people and several vehicles have fallen into the river.

Baltimore’s city police told the news outlet it was possible workers were in the water after the collapse.

Baltimore’s mayor Brandon Scott was en route to the scene.

I’m aware of and en route to the incident at the Key Bridge. I have been in contact with @BaltimoreFire Chief Wallace, @GovWesMoore @JohnnyOJr, and @AACoExec. Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.

— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) March 26, 2024

He said in a post on X he had been in contact with the Baltimore fire chief and Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

“Emergency personnel are on scene, and efforts are underway.”

Baltimore County executive Johnny Olszewski Jr said in a post on X he was also in contact with emergency services.

“Please pray for those impacted.”

MAJOR BALTIMORE TRAFFIC ALERT: AVOID I-695 southeast corridor. I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike. Active scene. Use I-95 or I-895. #baltraffic #mdtraffic

— MDTA (@TheMDTA) March 26, 2024

“I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike. Active scene. Use I-95 or I-895,” Maryland Transportation Authority said in a post on X.

Traffic was being diverted along the interstate or through the harbour tunnel.

The BBC has reported that the bridge was struck by the Singapore-flagged Dali container ship, a 300m-long vessel that was on its way to Colombo in Sri Lanka.

On marine radars, the Dali departed from the terminal at Port Breeze at around 12:45am ET (4:45am GMT). It travelled towards the Francis Scott Key Bridge, but became stationary at the site of the bridge 45 minutes later.

The bridge that collapsed is named the Francis Scott Key Bridge, or the Key Bridge for short. It is part of the 695 highway that circles Baltimore.

The shipping company Synergy Marine Group confirmed that its ship Dali collided with a pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

“Whilst the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the ‘Dali’ has now mobilised its Qualified Individual Incident response service,” it says.

It said all crew members were accounted for and there were no reports of injuries.

More to come…

– BBC / Reuters