Heartbreaking news coming out of Baltimore: the Francis Scott Key Bridge suffered a major partial collapse in the early hours of Tuesday morning due to a collision with a large container ship.
The bridge, a crucial artery carrying Interstate 695 across the Patapsco River, found itself at the center of a dramatic and chaotic scene. The incident, which occurred at 1:35 a.m. local time, left multiple individuals believed to have fallen into the water below. Baltimore Fire Department Battalion Chief Glenn Kukucka described the aftermath as a “very large incident” with a significant impact.
Chief James W. Wallace of the Baltimore Fire Department addressed the press, revealing that up to seven people were suspected to have ended up in the water. Despite the challenges posed by darkness and water temperature, two individuals were successfully rescued, with one in critical condition and rushed to a trauma center. As rescue operations unfolded, sonar scans detected submerged vehicles in the water, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. The focus remained on the safety and well-being of those affected, both on the bridge and aboard the ship.
“The latest information we have on the crew of the ship is that they still are on board of the ship.” When asked if the ship was suffering any technical impairments, he said, “We do not have that information.” Meanwhile, a Baltimore police spokesperson said during the briefing Tuesday, “There is absolutely no indication that there was any terrorism, that this was done on purpose. There is absolutely no indication that this was intentional.”
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a state of emergency. In a statement, Moore added, “we will work to “quickly deploy federal resources.”
“We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety,” Moore also said. “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.”
We will continue to keep you updated as this story develops.
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