By: Richard L. Smith
Emergency responders are on the scene of an early morning incident that has shaken Baltimore.
According to The Associated Press, a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the water after being struck by a large boat, leading to an urgent rescue mission for at least seven people.
This dramatic event occurred around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday when the vessel collided with the bridge, subsequently catching fire and sinking.
The Maryland Transportation Authority confirmed the accident on X (formerly known as Twitter), stating, "All lanes closed in both directions for the incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured."
As reported by the Associated Press, emergency response teams, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., are on the scene conducting rescue operations.
Kevin Cartwright, the director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, informed AP that multiple vehicles, including one as large as a tractor-trailer, plunged into the water following the bridge's partial collapse.
The Baltimore Fire Department received 911 calls reporting the collision, which caused significant structural damage and created hazardous conditions for rescue operations.
"Our focus right now is trying to rescue and recover these people," Cartwright stated, referring to the ongoing efforts as a "developing mass casualty event." With cargo and debris complicating the rescue efforts, emergency teams are proceeding with extreme caution in what has been described as a "dire emergency."
The community awaits further updates as the search for those missing continues and authorities begin to assess the full impact of this catastrophic event on the city's infrastructure and the well-being of its residents.
INFORMATION CREDIT: The Associated Press
IMAGE CREDIT: Stream Live