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FRANCIS SCOTT KEY BRIDGE HAS COLLAPSED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY CARGO SHIP
Baltimore, MD - A horrifying nightmare unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday morning as the storied Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed following a collision with a large cargo container ship. The devastating incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. when the vessel crashed into the bridge and leading to a multitude of vehicles falling into the water below.
We have reviewed images and video evidence of the catastrophic event. The Maryland Transportation Authority promptly closed traffic in both directions on the I-695 Key Bridge and implemented detours due to the ongoing incident.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. released statements confirming that emergency personnel were on the scene and diligent rescue efforts were unfolding. Kevin Cartwright, the communications director for the Baltimore Fire Department, detailed a frantic search for at least seven individuals believed to be in the water.
In a solemn message to the public, Cartwright stated that the current focus of emergency services is to rescue and recover those affected. With the situation still unfolding, he emphasized that the number of affected individuals remains unknown. However, he described the devastating bridge collapse as a "developing mass casualty event."
Adding to the rescue operations' complexity, Cartwright highlighted that remnants of cargo and retainers hang precariously from the collapsed bridge. This has created an unsafe environment, prompting emergency responders to operate with extreme caution.
***Updates will be posted below***
- 5:27 AM - The following video and live stream show the exact point where the cargo ship hits the bridge. The crash and collapse can be viewed at the 3:59:30 mark.
- 5:48 AM - There was initially supposed to be a press conference between 5:45 AM and 6:00 AM however they will now push that press conference to roughly 6:30 AM.
- 6:35 AM - Officials say they are searching for at least 7 people.
- 7:01 AM - One victim was rescued and transported to a local trauma center hospital. One victim was rescued and declined medical treatment.
- 7:16 AM - Maryland Governor has released a statement saying the following, "My office is in close communication with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and the Baltimore Fire Department, as emergency personnel are on the scene following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. 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. We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety. We will remain in close contact with federal, state, and local entities that are carrying out rescue efforts as we continue to assess and respond to this tragedy".
- 7:19 AM - Former Governor Larry Hogan released a statement saying the following, "We are heartbroken by the tragedy at the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Yumi and I are praying for those missing and their loved ones, and ask all Marylanders to keep them in your thoughts. We are incredibly grateful for the first responders and rescue teams working to save lives"
- 7:38 AM - Motorists must avoid the southeast corridor of I-695. I-695 Outer Loop closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and Inner Loop closed at MD 157/Peninsula Expressway (exit 43). Harbor Crossings alternate routes will be I-95 or I-895 tunnels. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials prohibited in tunnels should use the western section of I-695 around tunnels. This includes vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per container (maximum of 10 containers), bulk gasoline, explosives, significant amounts of radioactive materials. Vehicles in excess of 13’-6”, in height, or 96” (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel restrictions are height – 14’ - 6” width – 11’ - 0”.
- 10:30 AM - Officials said in the most recent press conference that they believe they are looking for at least 6 people, who they know are missing.
- 8:30 PM - Officials have called off the search tonight for the six workers who are reported as missing and presumed deceased.
