Baltimore bridge collapse: Mass casualty event after ship crashes into Key Bridge – Washington Examiner

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed early Tuesday morning after a cargo ship rammed into one of the supports for the structure.

Officials said Tuesday morning that two people had been rescued from the water, with one person in serious condition. Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace told reporters that while it is uncertain how many people officials are searching for as part of the rescue efforts, it may be “upwards of seven people.”

BREAKING: Ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse pic.twitter.com/OcOrSjOCRn

— BNO News (@BNONews) March 26, 2024

Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) said early on Tuesday that he has been in communication with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as emergency personnel respond to the incident.

“I have declared a State of Emergency here in Maryland and we are working with an interagency team to quickly deploy federal resources from the Biden Administration,” Moore posted on X.

“We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety,” he continued.

Parts of the Francis Scott Key Bridge remain after a container ship collided with a support on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Baltimore. The major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below. Rescuers are searching for multiple people in the water. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark)

Buttigieg also said he has offered Moore and Scott the department’s support and advised that those in the area should heed “local responder guidance on detours and response.”

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The FBI also said it has officials on the scene assisting in the response.

The 1.6-mile bridge opened in March 1977 and was part of Interstate 695. The Maryland Department of Transportation is advising drivers to use Interstate 95 or Interstate 895 instead.