Large parts of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed early Tuesday morning after a container ship collided with it, causing several vehicles to fall into the frigid waters of the Patapsco River below.
Officials say the 948-foot ship, named the Dali, lost power before striking a pillar that was part of the bridge’s support structure, leading to an almost immediate collapse along large sections of the bridge.
At least two people were rescued as emergency crews continued to search for six others. Aside from vehicles crossing the bridge, there were also construction crews that were working on the bridge at the time. Officials said several people on board the ship were not injured.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the ship’s operator was able to initiate a “mayday” distress call to warn of an impending collision with the bridge, allowing authorities to stop some traffic and potentially saving some lives.
The four-lane bridge first opened in 1977 and stretches for 1.6 miles. It was a major artery for traffic and the collapse temporarily shut down the city’s busy port.
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