26th March, 2024
Six people are missing as the Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in the United States collapsed on Tuesday after a cargo ship rammed into it.
Eight people were said to be on the bridge when it collapsed, but two people were rescued as emergency responders have continued the search for the rest.
The bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River after a container ship crashed into it. The bridge snapped and plunged into the water at around 01:30 ET (05:30 GMT) along with vehicles and people, according to the BBC.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said crew on the ship were able to issue a “mayday” before colliding into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which allowed authorities to stop traffic from going on the bridge.
“We’re thankful that between the ‘mayday’ and collapse that-that we had officials who were able to-to begin the stop the flow of traffic so more cars were not up on the bridge,” Moore said.
According to CNN, video shows the collapse of the 1.6-mile-long, four-lane bridge after it was hit by the vessel.
The bridge extends over the Patapsco River and serves as the outermost crossing of the Baltimore harbor. It is an essential link of Interstate-695, or the Baltimore Beltway.
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said authorities are looking for alternative transport options for the approximately 35,000 people who use the bridge every day.